What is the meaning of John 21:15? When they had finished eating • The risen Jesus has just shared breakfast with the disciples (John 21:12-14). The meal confirms His bodily resurrection (cf. Luke 24:41-43) and sets a warm, familiar context for what follows. • The timing—after physical nourishment—is deliberate. Jesus often teaches once immediate needs are met (Mark 6:34-41). Here He moves from feeding bodies to feeding souls. • The scene echoes earlier lakeside moments when Jesus called Peter (Luke 5:1-11). It signals a fresh start after Peter’s three denials (John 18:15-27). Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” • Jesus addresses him as “Simon son of John,” the name used before Peter’s commissioning (John 1:42). It underscores a return to basics: identity and allegiance. • “Do you love Me more than these?” likely points to the other disciples and the fishing life surrounding them. Peter had once claimed superior devotion (Matthew 26:33). Jesus gently exposes that boast and invites humble reaffirmation. • Love (agapáō) is Christ-centered commitment, not emotion alone (John 14:15). The question tests whether Peter’s loyalty now rests on repentance rather than self-confidence. • Similar probing appears in Genesis 3:9 (“Where are you?”) and 1 Kings 19:9 (“What are you doing here, Elijah?”). God asks not for information but for self-revelation. “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” • Peter drops comparisons, calling Jesus “Lord” and appealing to His omniscience: “You know…” (cf. John 16:30). The change from bragging to trusting Jesus’ knowledge marks genuine repentance. • Three prior denials had been public; now Peter’s confession is public too, restoring his witness (Proverbs 28:13). • The repetition that follows (vv. 16-17) mirrors the three denials, showing full restoration (Mark 14:72). • Peter’s response fits Psalm 139:1-4—God knows every thought and motive. Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” • Jesus turns confession into commission. Love for Christ must overflow into ministry to His people (John 13:34-35). • “Feed” (boske) speaks of continual care; “My” signals ownership—believers belong to Christ, not the shepherd (Acts 20:28). • “Lambs” highlights the vulnerable—new or fragile believers (Isaiah 40:11). Peter will later echo this charge: “Shepherd the flock of God among you” (1 Peter 5:2). • The mandate shifts Peter from self-preservation to sacrificial service, foreshadowing his eventual martyrdom (John 21:18-19). summary John 21:15 shows Jesus restoring Peter by replacing past failure with present love and future service. After meeting physical needs, Jesus probes Peter’s heart, prompting a humble confession that trusts Christ’s knowledge. In response, Jesus entrusts Peter with the care of His tender followers. Loving Jesus is inseparable from tending His people, and forgiven disciples become faithful shepherds in His name. |
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