Peter

October 30

John 21:15-25

Jesus speaks to Peter

When the disciples landed, they dragged their heavy net ashore. There was a small coal fire with some fish on it, and some bread. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they had caught and invited them to breakfast.

When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, do you truly love Me more than these here?”

Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.”

Again Jesus asked, “Simon, do you really love Me?

“Yes, Lord,” Peter answered, “You know that I love You.”

Then Jesus asked Peter the third time. “Simon, do you love Me?”

Peter was very sad because Jesus had asked Him a third time. He answered, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You.”

Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times?

Jesus didn’t ask questions in order to find out things; He asked questions to make people stop and think.

Peter had denied Jesus three times by saying that he didn’t know Him. Peter was obviously feeling very ashamed about what he had said. He felt like a miserable failure. How could the words “I’m sorry” ever make up for what he had done?

But Jesus knew that Peter still loved Him and He wanted to give Peter a chance to say so.

The first two times Peter said “I love you” he didn’t have the courage to use words that describe a deep, loyal love. But when Jesus asked a third time, “Do you love Me?” Peter replied sadly, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You.”

If ever you feel ashamed about something you’ve done, and the words “I love you” seem shallow, you can say, “Lord, look into my heart and You will see that I truly love You.”

Verse for today

 “I have prayed for you… that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32