John 21:15-19
"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.'"
(JOHN 21:17)
(JOHN 21:17)
INSIGHT
PETER'S IMPORTANT LIFE OF MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH WOULD BE A SYMBOL THAT GOD WILL INDEED USE US, NO MATTER WHAT OUR REGRETS!
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Judges 1-2
Psalm 109
Romans 11-12
John 21:15-19
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17
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 I tell you the truth, 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!” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” SHOULD WE FORGET THE CHURCH?
Though he and his friends had already seen the resurrected Lord, Peter must have humbly hoped for a chance to make right his denial of Christ in the garden. Yet in the meantime, he went back to fishing, perhaps waiting for the commissioning Jesus had spoken of, or to earn money and provide for his family. Whatever the reason, Jesus met him where he was, drew near, and then asked the penetrating question: Do you love me?
Despite Peter's betrayal of Jesus, failures, impulsive acts and bold challenges, Jesus loved him so much that He cooked him breakfast and asked him hard questions. Then, amazingly the Lord offered Peter a second chance. Three times the fisherman had denied knowing Jesus; three times Jesus gave him an opportunity to respond and draw near.
"Care for my sheep," the Lord urged. Christ the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep now re-directed one of His more stubborn creatures, imparting grace and love. Your Shepherd comes to you also, overflowing with grace to restore you.
In our individualistic culture many are curious about Jesus but few value the church. Can Jesus and His Body be separated?
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