The Gospel of John: John 21.1-25

Read and meditate on John 21.15-18.
This confrontation between Jesus and Peter is one of the most dramatic and most important episodes in John’s gospel. Jesus’ questions are questions we should ask ourselves every day. And His instructions to Peter guide us into our proper calling in life.

                                                      ¹⁵So then, after He
and they had finished with the fish and bread,
to Simon Peter Jesus spoke, and said,
“Now Simon, son of Jonah, do you love
me more than these?” He answered, “Lord, I love
You, and You know I do.” “Then feed My lambs,”
He said. ¹⁶Then Jesus said again to him,
“Now Simon, son of Jonah, do you love
Me?” “Lord,” he answered, “Yes, You know I love
You.” “Tend My sheep,” said Jesus to him. ¹⁷Then
a third time Jesus asked him, “Simon, son
of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter then
was grieved at this, because He said to him
the third time, “Do you love Me?” So then he
replied, “You know all things, Lord, and of me
You know I love You.” Jesus said to him,
“Then feed my sheep.”

- John 21.15-18

Reflect
1.  We need to look carefully at this confrontation, because it speaks to us as much as it did to Peter. First, how did John refer to Peter, and how did Jesus refer to Him? Jesus had been calling him Peter for three years. Now He reverted to calling him by his given name – three times! Why? What was Jesus trying to stimulate in Peter’s thinking and soul? Complete the following prayer: Let me always remember, Lord, what You saved me from, but keep me from ever…

2.  To what was Jesus referring by the word, “these”? What was He asking Peter? If He were to ask you that question, to what would “these” refer? Lord Jesus, You know I love You, but sometimes I let other things become more important, and then…

3.  There are consequences involved with affirming love for Jesus. What were they in Peter’s case? What did that involve? Do all Christians have this responsibility, at least to some degree (Matt. 28.18-20)? How does this work out in your experience as one who loves Jesus? You have appointed me as a shepherd to those who know You, Lord, and today this will require me to…

4.  Twice Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” He used the same verb these two times, which refers to a deep and selfless love, such as God has for His world (Jn. 3.16). Then, the third time, Jesus switched to a less demanding form of love, and asked Peter, in effect, “Do you love Me like a friend?” While the verb here does mean to love, it’s a bit of a step down as far as commitment is concerned. Why did Jesus change to this verb? What He trying to shame Peter or encourage him? Explain. Lord, even when my love for You is feeble and faltering, still I know that…

5.  Peter was “grieved” to be asked the same question three times. The word means, “to be sad as the result of what has happened or what one has done – to be sad, to be distressed” (Louw & Nida). Why did Jesus ask this question three times? Why did Peter find it distressing that He did? Was it important he feel this way? Explain. Should we be reluctant, when necessary, to press a matter with someone, even though it makes them sad or distressed? Explain. Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.

Summary
“O pastors! Imitate that diligent pastor, the chief of the whole flock, who cared so greatly for his flock. He brought near those who were far away. He brought back the wanderers. He visited the sick. He strengthened the weak. He bound up the broken. He guarded those who were well fed. He gave himself up for the sake of the sheep. He chose and instructed excellent leaders, and committed the sheep into their hands and gave them authority over all his flock. For he said to Simon Cephas, ‘Feed my sheep and my lambs and my ewes.’ So Simon fed his sheep and fulfilled his calling and handed over the flock to you and departed. And so you also must feed and guide them well.” Aphrahat (270-350 AD)

If we do not love our Good Shepherd, we will not love or care for His sheep. If we profess truly to love Him, then we must seek the best ways to love and care for those He loves and cares for as well. Would you describe yourself as a true shepherd in the Lord’s flock? Why or why not?

Closing Prayer
Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.

Psalm 25.4-10

Psalm 25.4-10 (Festal Song: Revive Thy Work, O Lord)
Make me to know Your ways, teach me Your paths, O Lord!
My Savior, all day long I wait and seek You in Your Word.

Remember mercy, Lord, and steadfast love to me!
And all my sins before You let them not remembered be!

My sins have been of old, Your love is new each day;
According to Your goodness, Lord, regard my sinful way.

Upright and good are You, You lead us in Your way;
The humble You instruct in truth and guide him day by day.

The paths of God are all of love and faithfulness;
All they who keep His covenant the Lord will surely bless.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.