NOTES for Joh 21:15-19

Jesus’ conversation with Peter takes place during a meal on the shore of the lake, like many other important Gospel conversations. Sharing a meal brings people closer and helps them trust one another as they share one bread. And the fact that Peter eats with Jesus shows that the terrible moments of his denial are in the past.

And yet the Lord turns to the disciple and asks him three times whether he loves Him. He asks this question three times, just as Peter denied three times in the high priest’s courtyard that he had anything to do with Jesus. Here we see the Savior’s astonishing sensitivity as He restores His apostle’s confidence in himself. At the same time, He tests Peter’s readiness to be a Christian to the end, because now, after the crucifixion and resurrection, Peter fully understands what it means to love Jesus.

How often, after making a mistake, we do not believe that God is able to forgive us or that He still awaits our love. Just as in the Evangelist’s account, it is the Lord Himself who takes the first step, revealing to us His need for our love. Yet it is not always easy for us to discern His voice in our daily lives.