Ever wonder why did Jesus ask Peter “Do you love me?” 3 times and answered “Feed/take care of my lambs/sheep”?
Could it be that Jesus is trying to ask Peter to prove his love for Him?
Most people would agree with that. However I see God’s love manifested in that conversation between Jesus and Peter.
Well this is how God spoke to me through these verse (not asking whether you agree or disagree with me)
John 21:15-18
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? Yes, Lord, he said, you know that I love you. Jesus said, Feed my lambs.
Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you truly love me? He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus said, Take care of my sheep.
The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, Do you love me? He said, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said, Feed my sheep.
When Jesus predicted His death on the cross, Peter boast about how firm He is with His dedication to Christ, and even told Jesus that he will follow Him to death. He does this trying to prove to the Lord that He loves Him MORE than the other disciple does. Peter however denied Christ not only once but three times.
Remember the moment where Jesus predicted Peter’s denial, Peter firmly said (John 13:37) “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I WILL LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU”
And Jesus answered “Will you really lay down your life for me?…” and predicted His denial
When Jesus resurrected, He approached Peter (take not he called Him his old name Simon son of John instead of Peter) and ask Him the first question “Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me more than these?” THESE is actually referring to the other disciple. Jesus want to know if Peter still thinks He loves Jesus more than anyone else.
Peter answered “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (phileo) you.”
We must also take note, when Jesus use the word love (for the first 2 times), He is using in the term of Agape (sacrificial love), but when Peter answered he said ” you know that I Phileo (brotherly love) you”
This is because Peter himself recognize after denying Jesus for 3 times, he can no longer claim to love Jesus sacrificially and he do realize that God is the one that know our heart.
However the third time when Jesus asked “Simon son of John, do you love(phileo) me?” He was using the word phileo, Jesus drops the level of love down to Peter’s and there’s a match. Jesus will work with whatever level of love we have for Him, but He does demand humility, which is what Peter displayed in John 21:15-17 in contrast to his prideful declaration in Matthew 26:31-33.
And when Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” The reason why Jesus ask Peter 3 times and give the similar answers 3 times is not so much of asking Peter to do something for Him. But it is because Jesus is trying to make a correlation; 3 times Peter denied Jesus, 3 times Jesus wants Peter to know He still love him. What greater acclamation of love that Jesus could give Peter besides than entrusting Peter with His precious sheep?
This is a perfect song for this entry
You Are More – Tenth Avenue North
