John 21:15-17
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
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.
Jesus knows that Peter had denied knowing him three times whilst Jesus was on trial. Rather than accuse him or point the finger, Jesus responds with three chances to reaffirm their relationship so that his guilt could be dealt with rather than be allowed to fester and so that their relationship could indeed be restored.
Are there ways you feel you have let Jesus down? Don’t be despondent about them, but bring them to him knowing that he’ll forgive you and restore you.
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