by Carolyn Schmitt
It is interesting to me that while Peter’s denial is mentioned in all four gospels, only John tells about Jesus restoring Peter and giving him an additional occupation. I wish I knew how many memories of the years spent with Jesus were on Peter’s mind at that breakfast. Also, if he asked the questions about Peter loving him in front of all the others at that meal.
I have chosen the Amplified Version for this writing, because it expands on Jesus’s love question and Peter’s love response.
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do—with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15
Might Peter’s response come from remembering what Jesus said about no longer calling his disciples servants, but calling them friends?
I do not call you servants any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you [My] friends, because I have revealed to you everything I have heard from My Father. John 15:15
Again He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me[with total commitment and devotion]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” John 21:16
Perhaps Peter is remembering Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as he takes in the different occupation Jesus is calling him to.
I am the Good Shepherd and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me],
John 10:14
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” John 21:17
It seems as if Peter was grieved because this time Jesus changed the question of what kind of love Peter had for Him. Perhaps he realizes that now what Jesus has done has restored him to a trusted friend relationship and has given him the responsibility of loving and caring for His people. Peter also acknowledges that Jesus knows everything there is to know about him, past, present and future.
I have learned to find great comfort in that Jesus knows the same about me, which is why Psalm 139 is a favorite of mine. Peter would likely have been familiar with it, too, as even the less educated of that time would have known the Psalms.
Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.
