Read John 21:15-19 NIV
Jesus restores Peter
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 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. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
I can only imagine that Peter may have been weighed down by guilt or shame after Jesus’ death having denied Jesus three different times. He even told Jesus he wouldn’t do it, yet he did it anyway.
But in this account we see Jesus’ kindness and love on display as He showed Peter forgiveness x3 in a most gentle way. Not only did He show forgiveness to Peter but Jesus gave him a most important task – to care for those who would put their faith and trust in Jesus. What a beautiful example of what love looks like – Forgiveness and restoration!
What can you learn from Jesus’ example in this passage? What can you take away from this account that can or maybe should, shape the way you love others?
