“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” – John 21:17
Of course, Jesus knew that Peter loved Him! That wasn’t His point in asking three times. It wasn’t an interrogation to break Peter down. The point was to build Peter back up in forgiveness and restoration. Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times. He’d sworn an oath before God that he didn’t know Jesus. He’d called down God’s curse on himself if he actually knew Jesus. Peter’s betrayal was deep. Therefore, his restoration had to be deeper.
And so, three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times, after Peter said that he did, Jesus gave him responsibility to care for His people. Three times. Not to frustrate to Peter (which was easy to do) but to fully restore him. One affirmation of love for each denial. One restoration to service for each failure of courage.
What Jesus did was simple, yet powerful. It may have taken a little while to sink into Peter’s mind but it certainly seems to have changed his life. He got it. And what he got wasn’t unique to him. It’s what Jesus always offers – forgiveness and restoration for all who love Him. A gracious eagerness to wash away guilt and shame when we confess and repent. Tender, loving restoration even after we mess up yet again. Genuine love that doesn’t hold the past over anyone’s head as a threat or means of control. Mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. All freely available through Jesus. #FollowJesus