How does Peter's response demonstrate his understanding of Jesus' omniscience? John 21:17 in Focus “Jesus asked a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was deeply grieved that Jesus had asked him a third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘You know all things; You know I love You.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed My sheep.’” What Peter’s Words Reveal • “You know all things” (Greek oida panta) affirms total, exhaustive knowledge—Peter openly attributes unlimited awareness to Jesus. • Peter appeals to Jesus’ knowledge rather than his own sincerity, shifting the proof of love from his words to Christ’s omniscience. • By repeating “You know,” Peter acknowledges that every hidden motive and future action lies plainly before the risen Lord. Memories That Framed Peter’s Conviction • John 13:38—Jesus foretold Peter’s triple denial, fulfilled exactly; Peter had experienced firsthand that nothing escapes Christ’s foresight. • Luke 22:10–13—Jesus predicted the location and timing of the Last Supper preparations. • John 1:47–49—Nathanael confessed, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God,” after Jesus revealed details He could not have learned naturally. • John 2:24–25—“He Himself knew what was in a man.” Peter had watched this truth play out repeatedly. Why the Third Question Mattered • The thrice-asked “Do you love Me?” mirrored Peter’s three denials, gently restoring him to ministry. • Each repetition probed deeper motives; the final question left Peter leaning entirely on Christ’s perfect insight: “You know all things.” • Rather than argue his faithfulness, Peter surrendered to Christ’s omniscient verdict, demonstrating humility and trust. Scripture’s Consistent Portrait of an All-Knowing Lord • Psalm 139:1–4—“You discern my thoughts from afar… before a word is on my tongue, You know it completely.” • Hebrews 4:13—“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” • Revelation 2:23—“All the churches will know that I am He who searches hearts and minds.” Jesus embodies these divine attributes, and Peter’s confession aligns Him squarely with texts describing God alone. Living Lessons • Confidence: Because Jesus knows “all things,” believers can rest in His perfect understanding of their hearts and circumstances. • Honesty: Like Peter, we are freed from self-justification; Christ already sees every motive. • Commission: The charge “Feed My sheep” flows from omniscient grace—Jesus entrusts ministry to those He fully knows and fully restores. |
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