Why does Jesus ask Peter three times if he loves Him in John 21:15? Passage “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered, ‘You know I love You.’ Jesus replied, ‘Feed My lambs.’ 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.’ Jesus asked the 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 to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’” (John 21:15-17) Historical and Narrative Setting The conversation occurs on the shores of the Sea of Galilee shortly after the resurrection. The disciples have just eaten a meal Jesus provided (John 21:12-14), underlining His physical resurrection and ongoing fellowship with them. Public dialogue before at least six other disciples (v. 2) makes Peter’s restoration a witnessed event, counterbalancing his earlier public failure. Correspondence to Peter’s Three Denials Peter denied Jesus three times in the high priest’s courtyard (John 18:17-27). A three-fold denial required an equally public three-fold affirmation to restore credibility (cf. Deuteronomy 19:15; Proverbs 28:13). The symmetry emphasizes grace: every denial is met by a corresponding opportunity to confess. Covenant Renewal Imagery Thrice-repeated questions echo covenant formulas (Joshua 24:22; Jeremiah 22:29). Jesus, the covenant Lord, renews Peter’s role, paralleling God’s repeated calls to prophets (1 Samuel 3:8-10; Isaiah 6:3). The charcoal fire (John 18:18; 21:9) links the sites of denial and restoration, portraying substitutionary atonement already accomplished and now personally applied. Public Restoration and Apostolic Authority Acts portrays Peter as primary spokesman (Acts 2:14; 3:12). His leadership credibility required public vindication. The thrice-spoken “Feed/Shepherd My lambs/sheep” entrusts pastoral authority directly from the risen Lord (1 Peter 5:1-4). Early church fathers, e.g., Clement of Rome (1 Clem 5), reference Peter’s martyrdom with honor; this scene provides narrative grounding. Commissioning to Pastoral Ministry “Feed” (βόσκε) and “Shepherd” (ποίμαινε) convey continual care. Christ entrusts His flock (Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11) to an under-shepherd, underscoring that love for Christ expresses itself in sacrificial service to people, not mere sentiment. The Significance of the Number Three in Scripture Triadic repetition signals completeness and solemnity (Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 7:4). Peter’s three affirmations seal a complete relational restoration. The pattern also anticipates Peter’s threefold vision in Acts 10 cleansing Gentiles, showing that God works through repeated revelation to solidify truth. Christ’s Omniscience Affirmed Peter confesses, “You know all things” (v. 17). Only God possesses full knowledge (1 Kings 8:39; Hebrews 4:13). The statement is a tacit acknowledgement of Jesus’ deity, reinforcing Johannine themes (John 2:24-25; 16:30). Psychological and Behavioral Restoration Behavioral science notes that facing one’s failure in a safe, affirming environment facilitates genuine change. Jesus frames questions not in condemnation but invitation, modeling restorative discipline. Repetition allows Peter to internalize forgiveness and verbalize new loyalty, a process parallel to cognitive-behavioral replacement of maladaptive scripts. Love as the Foundation for Service Jesus does not ask Peter about skill, courage, or past performance—only love. Ministry flows from relational devotion, echoing Deuteronomy 6:5 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Without love, service is hollow; with love, even flawed servants are empowered. Cross-References • Luke 22:31-32 — Jesus foretells Peter’s denial and restoration, “I have prayed for you… strengthen your brothers.” • 1 Peter 1:8 — Peter testifies, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him,” showing his later grasp of agapē. • Revelation 2:4-5 — Love’s primacy for church life, reinforcing the pastoral charge. Application to Modern Disciples Believers who have failed can be fully restored when they respond to Christ’s probing love. Genuine repentance includes public witness when public sin was involved. Past service does not excuse present apathy; love must be reaffirmed. Conclusion Jesus’ threefold question meets Peter’s threefold failure, publicly restores him, underscores love as the prerequisite for leadership, and entrusts the care of Christ’s people to one reconciled by grace. The passage reveals a Savior who knows all, forgives completely, and redeems failure for future fruitfulness. |
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