In my last Wednesday post, we discussed the concept of failing forward. Jesus empowered his disciples early on with the knowledge that they would most likely fail. He instructed, he modeled, and then he sent them out to try their hand at the mission. Coaching and mentoring followed as they gained experience through failure and success.

Wouldn’t you love to work for a leader like that? Not one who micromanages and jumps all over you when you fail, but one who encourages you to take risks and try new things. And when you do fail—you’re given another chance.

Consider the time Jesus descended Transfiguration Mount (Matthew 17) to the discovery of his disciples incapable of casting out an evil spirit. He had empowered them to do exactly that and they had most likely already experienced some success in that aspect of their mission (see Matthew 10:1). So what did Jesus do? He explained to them in private how they could succeed the next time.

Or consider the time Peter had an epic fail while walking on water. He got his eyes off Jesus and down he went. But Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him (Matthew 14:31). Then Jesus commended Peter for the little faith he did have. In essence, I think what Jesus was saying, was: “Peter, even if you only have mustard-seed-sized faith, why would you doubt? You were walking on water, man, you were doing it! You don’t have to doubt Peter, I believe in you, so go for it!” (By the way, don’t give Peter too hard a time…he’s the only guy besides Jesus who has "Walked on water" on his resume, and he did it twice! Consider that the other disciples didn’t even get out of the boat. And, after Jesus rescued Peter from drowning, they both had to walk on water to get back to the boat.)

Lastly, I’d like to look at how Jesus brought healing to Peter’s wounded spirit after his repeated denials while Jesus was on trial. Three times after His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him—one time for each denial. Jesus had Peter affirm his love and then commended him to lead others using the metaphor of a shepherd with sheep. It’s a perfect picture of gracious and redemptive reconciliation! Jesus lifted Peter out of his past failures and empowered him.

Since Jesus understands human frailty (see John 2:23-25) and is defined by redemptive grace, he maintains a posture of empowering those who fail.

(My final post next Wednesday will examine one more example of "Failing Forward" from the Gospel narratives.)