LOVEST THOU ME?

LOVEST THOU ME?

John 21:14-17

14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

          Peter had publically denied the Lord three times before the crucifixion and now Jesus shows Himself for a third time. This time, it seems was purposeful and personal. It was for the restoration of Simon Peter!

          Peter had claimed that, while others may deny Jesus, he would never do such a thing. Jesus then sadly announced that indeed he would deny the Lord three times before the rooster crowed in the morning. It happened just as Jesus said (John 13:38). The bitter weeping that resulted was not only for his lost discipleship but because he did not know himself well enough to have accurately predicted his fall. Disappointment in self is a bitter thing.

          Peter thought that his discipleship had been forfeited by his denial so he returned to his former career path. He went fishing! This kind of fishing was not recreational but professional. He was a failure until the Lord showed up and told him to cast on the right side of the ship.

          This chapter is rich with teaching! They were a failure at night but were successful in the morning light. They caught fish only on the right (correct or appropriate) side of the ship. Peter was naked until he recognized the Lord. All these things lend themselves to preaching but they mostly miss the point of the chapter which was the restoration of Peter.

          When Jesus addressed Peter He uses his pre-Christian name of Simon son of Jonas. I think that is significant because Jesus addresses him as he thought he was. Peter had been named a little stone in Matthew 16:18. Now he thought he had forfeited that distinction.

          Three times, the exact number of times Peter had denied, Jesus asks Peter if he loved him. Step by step Jesus leads him back into a right relationship. Each time the Lord issues again the apostolic assignment to be a shepherd to the flock. Both the lambkins and the mature sheep need special care. Peter was reminded of his calling and his shame had to be replaced with fresh purpose. We lose our perspective and our purpose when we focus on ourselves instead of our mission. Have you failed in your promise of devotion? You are not ruined! Let Jesus restore you to fruitful service.

Dear Lord, thank you for your patience with us who are weak in our devotion. Thank you for making us useful once again. AMEN