April 18, 2019 – John 21:15-16

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” John 21:15-16.

This moment happens after Jesus is crucified and rose from the dead. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus in the garden. The other eleven watched with horror the crucifixion of their Jesus.  After three days in the tomb, sealed and guarded, they found the tomb opened and empty.  They went fishing.  

In the morning they saw someone on the beach who asked how many fish they caught. Jesus said, Throw your net on the starboard side of the boat, and your net will find the fish. John 21:6. After they ate fish and bread, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”

Peter denied he knew Jesus three times before He was crucified.  Jesus forgives Peter and gives him a command, “Feed my sheep.”  Forgiveness and Love.

Jesus told the disciples  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19.  Even if we deny Christ now, we hear his Words, “Feed my sheep!“

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17.