Question description

Hi there,

Thank you for taking the time to pray and provide answers to my questions. I am very grateful. 

I was reflecting on the event between the Lord Jesus Christ and Peter in "John 21 vs 15 - 17" which, in my opinion, is somehow personal, given the prior event of Peter denying knowing Jesus Christ three times, as foretold by the Lord. Is there a better way to interpret, personalize, and apply the instructions in one's daily life?

1. Why did Jesus Christ call Peter three times instead of one time?

2. Is there a reason for using both "Feed His Sheep" and "Feed my Lamb"?

I am looking forward to your answer.

Answer description

Thank you for your question. As you suggest, I think Scripture connects Peter's denials with Christ's three questions of him after the resurrection.

Peter who assured the Lord he would never desert Him, was speaking out of pride and confidence in his commitment. But when tragedy struck (Christ's arrest), that confidence evaporated and Satan used Peter's focus on his security to lead him to do what he (Peter) never thought possible, deny Christ. And after the rooster had crowed, Peter realized how he had dishonored and deserted his Lord and wept bitterly.

He must have lived with that shame in the following days and found it hard to forgive himself for the betrayal. But during those subsequent days, it seems the Spirit was working powerfully in Peter's heart to humble him and take away his pride. Because when we next see Peter at the breakfast by the lake, he is a very humble person. And Christ, knowing this, uses the situation to challenge Peter. As we read the passage, we see Jesus addressing him as Simon, not Peter. And the Lord then asks him three times about his love for his Savior. And each time Simon humbly answers in the affirmative.

There are varying opinions on the meaning of Christ's use of the words feed & sheep (lambs), but the Lord offered Simon an opportunity to redeem himself. What he does not understand at that moment is that he is being prepared to lead Christ's Church in the days and years ahead. In this leadership role, he must feed, tend, and shepherd the growing flock of believers (sheep). I believe Christ is also using this occasion to forgive Simon of his previous failures and reinstate him to his future role as the Apostle Peter.

We marvel at the way God orchestrates events to bring about His ultimate purpose. In this case, we see a shameful betrayal by Peter turned into a loving forgiveness by Christ that elevates Peter to become the leader of the first New Testament church.

Truly, our God works all things together for good. (Rom 8:28)

Scripture references

Supporting resources

• Christ Formed in You

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