What does Jesus' repetition in John 21:16 reveal about Peter's restoration? The Verse in Focus “Jesus asked a second time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered, ‘You know I love You.’ Jesus told him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’” (John 21:16) Why Does Jesus Repeat the Question? • Repetition pinpoints the heart. By asking a second (and ultimately a third) time, Jesus moves past Peter’s quick answer to a deeper confession of love. • Each inquiry echoes one of Peter’s earlier denials (John 18:17, 25-27). The Savior is intentionally matching every failure with a fresh opportunity to affirm devotion. • In Hebrew culture, repeating a statement adds weight (cf. Genesis 22:11; Isaiah 6:3). Jesus elevates the seriousness of Peter’s calling. Threefold Denial, Threefold Commission • Denial #1 at the fire: “I am not” (John 18:17) → Question #1: “Do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15) • Denial #2: “He denied it again” (John 18:25) → Question #2: “Do you love Me?” (John 21:16) • Denial #3: “Peter again denied it” (John 18:27) → Question #3: “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17) Jesus doesn’t ignore Peter’s sin; He overwrites it with grace. Each loving affirmation restores one broken link in the chain of discipleship. From Shame to Shepherd • Notice the verbs: “Feed My lambs” (v. 15), “Shepherd My sheep” (v. 16), “Feed My sheep” (v. 17). • Peter moves from regret to responsibility. Jesus entrusts the very ones Peter thought he had disqualified himself from serving. • The Good Shepherd (John 10:11) empowers Peter to shepherd others, fulfilling the Lord’s earlier prayer: “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Love Proven Through Service • Jesus links love for Him with care for His people. Genuine affection produces tangible ministry. • Peter later echoes this call: “Shepherd God’s flock among you” (1 Peter 5:2). Restoration births leadership marked by humility, not bravado. Takeaway for Today • Failures don’t have the final word when submitted to Christ. • The Lord meets us where we fell, then re-commissions us where we stand. • Love for Jesus is verified not by words alone but by faithful care for His flock. |
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