At the Passion Conference 2025, Pastor Ben Stuart, hailing from Passion City Church in Washington, D.C., delivered an impactful message focused on the theme of redemption.
In front of a vibrant crowd of young adults, he urged them to embrace faithfulness and break free from the shackles of shame stemming from past mistakes.
Jesus’s Restoration of Peter
Stuart anchored his message in the captivating story found in John 21, where Jesus restores Peter after his moment of denial.
This narrative serves as a powerful reminder for believers to rise above their feelings of shame and actively pursue the purpose God has laid out for them.
Central to his message was the notion of faithfulness.
Pastor Stuart stressed that Jesus invites each individual to persevere, even during their most difficult times.
He reflected on Peter’s choice to return to fishing, the subsequent miraculous catch, and the crucial moment when Jesus questioned Peter about his love for Him.
Facing Shame and Finding Liberation
In his address, Stuart emphasized how compassionately Jesus responded to Peter’s situation.
At Peter’s lowest point, rather than abandoning him, Jesus recreated the very moments of their first meeting—a poignant reminder of Peter’s original calling.
Furthermore, Stuart noted that Jesus intentionally set the stage for Peter to face his shame, crafting an environment that led to liberation.
He highlighted the symbolism of the charcoal fire where Jesus restored Peter, contrasting it with the fire associated with Peter’s earlier denial.
The pastor also reflected on the struggles faced by those who feel distanced from their faith, pointing out how heavy the burden of past mistakes can feel.
He warned that shame can stifle potential and derail one’s future.
While the enemy often exploits these feelings by reminding individuals of their past sins, Jesus steps in to provide healing and hope.
Encouragement for Young Adults
Analyzing Jesus’s interactions with His disciples post-resurrection, Stuart emphasized that Jesus didn’t just restore Peter; He also entrusted him with the important task of caring for others.
He urged attendees to be attentive to the needs around them and to break free from shame, allowing them to impact their world positively.
For anyone feeling disconnected from Jesus’s message, Stuart offered reassurances of grace and reconciliation, encouraging them to nurture a personal relationship with Christ.
He invited attendees to emulate Peter’s courage and take the plunge into the metaphorical sea, swimming towards Jesus, who is always ready to welcome them.
Founded in 1995, the Passion Movement aims to ignite students and leaders on college campuses by focusing on what truly matters.
To date, it has contributed over $18 million to partner organizations globally.
The first part of Passion 2025, designed for young adults aged 18 to 25, unfolded from January 2-4, while the second part took place from January 6-8, featuring an array of musical artists and speakers.
Source: Christianpost