The Heart of the Matter

Read John 20:1–21:25

15. After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17. 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 21:15-17

Airplane banners occasionally announce love and sometimes propose marriage. Highway billboards have been known to do the same. These are shockingly public ways to get a normally private message to the object of one’s affection.

Jesus’ last recorded encounter with Peter brings about one of these public declarations of love. Unlike the voluntary action of flying a banner or renting a billboard, Peter has to be coaxed into admitting his love for Jesus. As you read this passage, notice the love God has declared for you in the resurrection of his Son, Jesus.

After Jesus rose from the dead, and shortly before he ascended into heaven, he asked Peter if he loved him (John 21:15-17). First Jesus asked if Peter’s love (using the Greek word for love that means freely given, self-sacrificial love) excelled that of the other disciples. Peter said yes, using a different word for love, the one that signifies brotherly love. Then Jesus asked again, leaving out a comparison with the others. Again Peter said yes, and again he used brotherly love. Then Jesus asked Peter for a third time, this time referring to brotherly love, saying, in effect: “Are you even my friend?” Peter answered, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you” (21:17).

Peter felt hurt at Jesus’ persistence, but Jesus knew that it’s all too easy to say glibly, “Sure, I love you.” To face the question three times, each time pressed a little harder, forced Peter to face his true feelings and motives. A third declaration of his devotion would leave no doubt.

How would you respond if Jesus asked, “Do you truly love me? Do you really love me? Are you even my friend?” Be sure you can sincerely say to Jesus, “I love you. I am your friend.”