READ JOHN 21:1-19
The last scene that is depicted in the Gospel of John is Jesus interacting in a specific way with Peter. In this section, we see Jesus ask Peter three consecutive times “do you love me?” and Peter respond with intensifying emotion with each response, culminating in an emphatic confession of Jesus’ omniscience. This final interaction gives both a resolution and also opens the door to the future by alluding to the work that Peter and John will continue doing after Jesus ascends.
Jesus asks Peter the same question three times “do you love me?” to resolve the betrayal of Jesus by Peter prior to his crucifixion. Peter, one of the closes disciples to Jesus and one of the boldest throughout Jesus’ life, was unable to follow Jesus to the cross and abandoned him and denied knowing him even at the slightest threat. There would be no other way to understand this other than a loss of faith, and a major rift in the relationship between Peter and Jesus. Jesus does not bring this up to rub it in Peter’s face, but rather to fully and completely heal the wounds and the guilt that Peter would have felt as a result. Jesus does not pretend that it didn’t happen, nor does he recap the entire situation. Instead he pushes Peter into his new reality and also fully and completely forgives him. Jesus helps establish Peter as full of faith by having him emphasize his love for Jesus and also to confess his dependence on Jesus knowing all things. Peter had tried being strong for Jesus in the past and he failed, now we see Peter who has learned to depend on Jesus who is strong.
Jesus also commissions Peter based on his confession of love. Jesus gives Peter the work of an under shepherd to feed his sheep and tend his lambs. This opens up the door to the future that lies ahead for Peter. Peter is now called to follow Christ and to live as Jesus lived. This will mean forsaking his own desires and serving the Lord by serving and leading the Lord’s people. Ultimately, as John foreshadows later, Peter would follow Jesus all the way to death. The call to follow Jesus comes after Jesus grounds Peter’s love for Christ in the knowledge that Jesus has of Peter (and of all things).
QUESTIONS
What can we learn from Jesus about how to resolve conflict and pursue peace with people who have wronged us?
How does Peter’s history of betrayal come out in his third response to Jesus’ question?
What is different for Peter? Why is he able to follow Jesus now but he wasn’t before?
What are some ways that Jesus is calling you to follow him?