John 21:15-19 – “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.” 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.” 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. 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.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.””
This is a great passage of scripture dealing with the restoration of Peter after he had denied the Lord three times. Because of his three-fold denial, Jesus asks him three times if He loves Him. Peter was annoyed by this and probably was still numbed by his denial that he didn’t realize that Jesus was not trying to provoke him, but rather restore His flock. These are indispensable pastoral roles that are fundamental to leadership. Who can we feed and tend to today? Who is wandering as a lost sheep that needs a shepherd to help guide them along the way? You will show the Master your love when you do this.
Finally in verse 19 Jesus says to Peter, “Follow Me.” These words should have sounded familiar to Peter for Jesus had spoken them to him almost three years earlier in Matthew 4:19 when He first called Peter to be a disciple. Peter had lost his way. His denial occurred because he had followed Jesus at a distance (Matthew 26:58). Now, it is time to return to the basics of where he started to get back where he needed to be.
This passage of scripture today is full of hope. It shows us the great compassion of Jesus. When we have failed Him, He is merciful to restore us and give us another chance. Be encouraged today. Follow Him closely. Feed His sheep. Be His disciple.