Thoughts on the Gospel of John (218) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

He said to him again a second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. He said to him, Tend My sheep. He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, 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 all things; You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
John 21:16–17

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (218)
The Lord Jesus is about to make it clear to His disciple Peter what the cause was for him to deny Him so shamefully. He addresses Peter by his first name, Simon, and reminds him of his temperament. Peter was to understand that everyone who trusts in himself will fail sooner or later. Neither a strong character nor the best intentions can protect against this.

In His second question, the Lord uses similar words to the first but omits the comparison with the other disciples. He asks, in a sense, “Do you really love Me at all?” This examination of the wound goes deeper.

As in his first answer, Peter evades the question somewhat because he uses a different, and somewhat weaker, word for love than the Lord. He doesn’t dare to profess his love for Him.

In the third question, the Lord uses the same word for love as Peter. In doing so, He even questions this “love” in Peter. Peter feels uncomfortable and does the only right thing: he relies completely on the Lord. The Lord knows the little bit of love that others cannot see; and He also knows the self-confidence that Peter unfortunately did not see in himself.

After every question and answer, Peter receives an order: whoever wants to serve believers must love Jesus above all and himself least of all.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Zechariah 1:1-17 · Mark 12:13-17