John 21:15-19 (NIV 2011)
15 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!”
Reflection:
Jesus is testing Peter here, looking to see with Peter what is really in his heart. Does Peter love Him? The process is painful, but it results in a proving of Peter’s love for Jesus, despite all that had happened and been done.
As Jesus speaks with Peter, He sees forward to the time when Peter will be filled with the Holy Spirit and all that he is called to will be possible. Jesus can speak with confidence when He commands, “Follow me!”
Response:
We have the Spirit of God living in us, who makes it possible for us to love God and follow Him. Let’s read this passage again, asking God to give us a greater love for Him and a greater desire to feed His sheep. As we pray, let’s fully believe that following God is possible. He has called us to this life and He empowers us because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
