*John 21:15-25
Jesus forgives Peter’s denial, entrusts him with caring for his followers, and predicts Peter’s martyrdom.
- Jesus’ Interaction with Peter:
- Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him, using different Greek words for “love” each time.
- Peter affirms his love for Jesus, albeit with a sense of discomfort and humility.
- Each time Peter responds, Jesus instructs him to “feed my lambs,” “take care of my sheep,” and “feed my sheep,” emphasizing Peter’s future role in leading and caring for the followers of Christ.
- Symbolism and Meaning:
- The threefold questioning parallels Peter’s earlier threefold denial of Jesus before his crucifixion, signifying forgiveness and restoration.
- Jesus entrusts Peter with the responsibility of shepherding his followers, highlighting Peter’s leadership role in the early Christian community.
- Peter’s Reaction:
- Peter becomes distressed by Jesus’ repeated questioning, possibly reflecting his guilt over his denial of Jesus or his uncertainty about his own faithfulness.
- Despite his discomfort, Peter reaffirms his love and commitment to Jesus.
- Prophecy about Peter’s Future:
- Jesus predicts Peter’s future martyrdom, indicating the ultimate sacrifice Peter will make for his faith.
- He instructs Peter to follow him, foreshadowing the path of discipleship and self-sacrifice that Peter will undertake.
- Disciple John’s Role:
- The passage concludes with Jesus and Peter discussing the fate of the disciple John.
- Jesus tells Peter not to worry about John’s destiny but focuses on Peter’s own journey and responsibilities.
21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.