OUR FATHER WHO RESTORES HIS PEOPLE

The book of John chapter 21 verses 15 - 20 records a conversation the Lord Jesus had with Simon Peter. Peter, having denied Jesus three times, was now being formally restored and Jesus walked Peter three times through an affirmation of his love for Jesus as a prerequisite for his assumption of ministry duties.

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, 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 all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

The Lord then gave Peter a road map of His transition from autonomy to a state where he would be completely surrendered to the will of God such that he would end up being in the hands of those who would kill him and he would accept that fate even though he did not wish it.

Amen.

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