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 21:17

For Meditation

It is always an interesting occasion when a person meets someone they have offended so badly and rejected viciously, especially, between former spouses or best friends. The Bible is right when it says in Romans 12:20.

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Try it and experience the transforming power of God in forgiveness (22).

How true it is, Peter!

You have encountered the Master many times after His resurrection, but He has never mentioned how you deserted Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Neither has He brought up your infamous denials that you ever knew Him. And that is killing you.

 More so this morning after the miraculous catch that reminded you of your call to a new life and ministry with Him. And now this meal that must have brought back painful memories of the Passover meal, when you boasted about your absolute faithfulness to Him, even to death (Matt. 26:33; Lk. 22:33).

Miserable man that you are! Your heart is crying in silence to Him to deliver you from your misery by saying something. Maybe a rebuke, expression of disappointment, or even a whipping. But, He is quiet!

Now the meal is over. The anticipation ends abruptly, as Jesus looks straight into your eyes and asks:

 “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

 Your “Yes,” is not convincing, and you know it. Yet, Jesus tells you to feed His lambs.

Isn’t He gracious?

He asks you a second time and a third time. You are cut to the heart. You cannot pretend again. His searchlight has spotted you. You are in His grip, and you cannot run again.

Your response is feeble.

“Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you” (17).

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

Three times, you denied Jesus. Three times, He commits you to a higher responsibility. Amazing grace! How sweet the taste of it!

You take a deep breath. A sense of peace overwhelms you. You open your mouth to say something, but the Master puts His finger across your lips and tells you about a shocking event in your future walk with Him.

You also take a deep breath, my friend, and learn with Simon Peter in his encounter with our Lord Jesus on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. May He forgive and restore you from wherever you have fallen and give you a fresh beginning with Him. Amen.

Shalom, and good morning.