#WALKWITHJESUS 28

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”

John 21: 17

Reading: John 21: 15-25

Just in case there was any doubt left that they were dealing with Jesus as they ate and conversed with the ‘stranger’ on the shore, this incident of restoring Peter dealt with that.

Let us remember that Peter had three times denied that he knew Jesus – and Jesus, who knows the thoughts of every man’s heart, surely knew how Peter’s conscience was troubling him. So he took him aside and restored him by asking him three questions and giving him three responsibilities.

“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” 

Despite Peter’s shortcomings, Jesus entrusted his beloved disciples and believers to Peter’s care. He told him to instruct and pastor them, the babes as well as the more mature.

It's time you took this on board - despite your failings, despite your wandering, Jesus is still willing to trust you and give you a meaningful role in his Kingdom. 

Prayer

Lord, thank you. I ask that I might serve you. Please lead me in this. 

For the family

Continue doing this 15-day devotional study about Easter that is suitable for children.