Peter

Peter

Reading the Word

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep (John 21:15–17).

Setting the Scene

The Apostle Peter’s life shows us the spiritual dynamics at play in God restoring us. Jesus found and commissioned Peter twice: first fishing in the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18–20) and here, three years later, fishing again.

Jesus had said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32). Peter failed spectacularly, repeatedly. He jumped out of the boat to walk on water with Jesus when his eleven peers cowered behind, then proceeded to sink like the stone he was (Matthew 14:28–31). He boldly declared the identity of Jesus as the saving Son of God, then chastised Jesus for describing that salvation would require his death (Matthew 16:16–23). He insisted he would never deny Jesus; then thrice and with vehemence denied him (Matthew 26:33–34). Peter’s restoration required a lot of sifting.

Getting Personal

John 21:15–22 gives important clues about the tone of Jesus’ restoring work in us. His affirmation of Peter went beyond the disciple to the assignment Jesus had for him. Restoration wasn’t meant to make Peter feel better about himself but to focus his attention of the task of helping others. Restoration didn’t mean an easier life for Peter but a plan for him unlike anyone else’s.

• In what ways are you like Peter?
• Imagine Jesus looking you in the eyes and saying tenderly, “Do you really love me? Are you even my friend?” How would you respond?
• What has God commissioned you to do for him?

Talking to God

Savior, I confess that I’ve failed and denied you in so many ways. Yet you have found, forgiven, restored, and commissioned me. Help me do the work you have called me to do.

Adapted from “Restoration Profiles” by Neil Wilson; used by permission.