Personal Talk With Peter

John 21:15-19

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Notes

The Lord Jesus set it up. The fire burned by coals perhaps reminded Peter of his denial, which was also near coals that burned. Peter denied Jesus three times that night. Then three times, the Lord would ask if Peter loved Him. Three times as well, the Lord would commission Peter. Everything was set up for this conversation. But before the dreaded but needed talk, the Lord set up an atmosphere of fellowship. After eating, the Lord Jesus spoke to Peter, which made Peter uncomfortable, to the point of grieving. However, it also reaffirmed Peter’s call to serve and die for His Lord.

1. Personal Talk

   After breakfast, the Lord spoke directly to Peter. The Lord asked Peter if he loved Him more than these, which may refer to the other disciples or fishing. Instead of his grand responses, it seemed that Peter answered in a simple way. The Lord would command Peter to feed the lambs, which may signify new believers.

   
   15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15).
   

   Application: Do we love the Lord: If we need restoration, it should begin by personal reflection, an inner look to the heart. Do we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered, died, and rose from the dead for us? To serve in the ministry, we must begin with a sincere love for our Lord and a desire to feed others, especially those who have not known Him.

2. The Lord Pressed Peter

   The Lord repeated the question two more times with a few nuanced changes. Peter was grieved because the Lord had to ask him three times. Each time, Peter answered simply and humbly, not with grand rhetoric like “I will do anything even if I die for you.”
   
   16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep (John 21:16-17).

   Application: Love and Service: The Holy Spirit, through His Word, presses us in His gentle yet forceful way. Our only response is, "Yes, I love you more than anything.” And yes, I will serve you by serving your people. Despite our shortcomings, we must continue to serve the Lord.

3. Future Death

   Even though Peter gave no grand rhetoric, the Lord showed him his death. One day when Peter would be old and helpless, he would stretch out his hands. Stretching out of the hands is an allusion to crucifixion. Christian tradition tells us that Peter was crucified upside down. After revealing Peter’s death, the Lord called Him to follow.

   
   18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me” (John 21:18-19).

   Application: Our Service is Until the End: We do not know how we will die, but one thing should be certain. Each of us must follow the Lord, love Him above all else, and serve His people. Moreover, we must proclaim and lead others into spiritual growth by teaching His word.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What were Jesus’ statements to Peter?

2. What are the slight differences in the three seemingly similar statements?

3. What difference do you see in Peter, pre and post-denial, but before Pentecost?