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In the Beginning: The Book of John
(John 21:15-17 [HCSB])
15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John,8 do you love9 Me more than these? ”
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“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
“Feed My lambs,” He told him.
16 A second time He asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? ”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”
“Shepherd My sheep,” He told him.
17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? ”
Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me? ” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.”
“Feed My sheep,” Jesus said.
Peter restored
Over a second charcoal fire Peter is redeemed. Glory be to God the Father who loves us as His own!
“Peter, do you love Me more [than these]?”
Presumably, our Lord was referring to his companions (not the fish). And, it was a fair question since they all were bound by both faith and by vocation. We might ask the same thing today regarding an avowed Christian’s love of job, position or money … or if Jesus is still his or her first and only love.
3 times Peter affirms his Lord, and each time he responds with, “Lord, you know I love you,” one more sin of denial is systematically atoned for: finally erased 3 minus 3 = 0.
First: Feed My lambs.
Second: Shepherd My sheep.
Third: Feed My sheep.
Theologically, this is the affirmation of Peter’s calling. This is when his life took a sharp turn from fisherman to evangelist. It is at this time that he is transformed from an impetuous disciple into “Petra” the rock. Upon rocks like these the church would be built with Jesus as Cornerstone.
Peter came face to face with the One he would serve, and service has a price. Peter would discover that the price for redemption and Christ-following would be steep … very steep indeed. Feeding sheep can be a blood sport, just ask Jesus … ask Him on the cross.
Peter’s later writings make this clear.
