He [Jesus] 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 21:17)
Peter denied Jesus three times. (Matthew 26:69-75). Three times Jesus asked him: “Do you love Me?” Jesus restored the relationship between Himself and Peter in front of the other disciples.
Peter was humbled. He could only say, ‘Lord, you know that I love you.’ Peter had learned a lot about himself and about Jesus. It had been three years since Jesus said to Peter: “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus told him that he would become a fisher of men. He had not lost that mission after his denial of Christ, but he had a new opportunity to begin again. He would tell others of Jesus’ love. As a ‘fisher of men’ Peter would share the truth of Jesus with others, leading them to believe. When Jesus said ‘feed my sheep’ He used another image of what evangelism is all about: Peter would mentor new believers, supporting them in their growing relationship with Jesus.
Essentially, Peter started over. Often when we mess up, people write us off. That never happens with Jesus. When we acknowledge our sin, He forgives us and the slate is wiped clean. Through trial and error, we grow in our devotion to Him.
Reflection: grace and forgiveness do not allow us to take salvation for granted; they help us to grow in our faithfulness and devotion to Jesus.
Image by Lumo Project Films – www.lumoproject.com.