Why does Jesus ask Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" Setting the Scene: Breakfast by the Sea John 21 opens at daybreak on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The risen Jesus has just filled empty nets with 153 large fish, then invites seven disciples to a charcoal-fire breakfast of bread and fish (John 21:9-13). Everything is real, physical, and intentional—He is preparing both food and a moment of heart surgery for Peter. Echoes of a Charcoal Fire • Only two “charcoal fires” (Greek: anthrakia) appear in Scripture: – John 18:18, where Peter warmed himself while denying Jesus three times. – John 21:9, where Jesus now waits. • By recreating the setting, Jesus brings Peter back to the scene of failure—not to shame him, but to redeem the memory. Three Denials, Three Declarations John 18:17-27 recorded Peter saying, “I am not” three times. Now Jesus gives him three opportunities to replace each denial with an open confession of love: 1. “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” – Peter: “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” – Jesus: “Feed My lambs.” (John 21:15) 2. A second time: “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” – Peter: “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” – Jesus: “Shepherd My sheep.” (John 21:16) 3. The third time: “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” – “Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him the third time… He said, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’” – Jesus: “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:17) Each fresh “Yes” overwrites a “No,” demonstrating tangible forgiveness and restoration. Restoring Relationship, Recommissioning the Shepherd • Forgiveness: Jesus removes the sting of Peter’s denials (Psalm 103:12). • Commission: Feeding and shepherding language entrusts Peter with pastoral care (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Public nature: The other disciples hear, so the whole community recognizes Peter’s reinstatement as a leader (Acts 2:14). Love Proven by Action Jesus links love to obedience, just as earlier: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Peter’s love must express itself by: – Feeding lambs: nurturing new believers. – Shepherding sheep: guiding, protecting, and correcting. – Feeding sheep: ongoing teaching of mature believers. Love for Christ always overflows into sacrificial service for His people (1 John 3:18). Different Greek Words, Same Heartbeat • First two questions use agapáō (self-giving love); Peter answers with philéō (affectionate friendship). • Third question, Jesus adopts philéō, meeting Peter where he is. The shift exposes Peter’s humility—no more boastful claims—but Jesus still accepts his sincere, though humbled, love. The key issue is not vocabulary but genuine devotion. Implications for Us Today • Past failure does not disqualify a repentant believer from future service (Luke 22:31-32). • Jesus confronts sin directly, then applies grace just as directly (John 1:14). • True love for Christ is evidenced by caring for His flock—family, church, and neighbors (Galatians 6:10). • Restoration often happens in community; witnesses are encouraged when they see grace at work. Peter denied by a fire, but he was recommissioned by a fire. Three piercing questions burned away guilt and ignited lifelong devotion—leading Peter to preach boldly, write Scripture, and ultimately glorify God in martyrdom (John 21:18-19). Jesus still asks every follower, “Do you love Me?” The answer is lived out by feeding His sheep. |
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