Chapter 1 · Encounter 11 of 48
Do You Love Me?
Prepare
After Peter denied Jesus three times, the risen Lord meets him beside the Sea of Galilee. In their conversation, Jesus repeatedly asks Peter whether he loves him. Pay attention to how Jesus connects Peter's answer with a responsibility toward others—and how the conversation ends.
Read Scripture
Open each passage here without leaving this Encounter.
John 21:15-19
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “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.”
16Again 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.”
17The 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. 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
1 Peter 5:1-4
To the Elders and the Flock
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Ponder
- Jesus asks Peter whether he loves him, but each answer is followed by a command to care for his sheep. What connection does Jesus seem to be making between loving him and caring for others? How might this challenge the way you ordinarily think about expressing your love for God?
- Years later, Peter instructs church leaders to shepherd God's flock willingly and without selfish ambition. How does his counsel reflect what Jesus taught him? What might these passages reveal about the kind of people the Good Shepherd is forming us to become?
Look Again
Did you notice that Jesus ends this conversation with Peter by saying, “Follow me” (John 21:19 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”John 21:19
Earlier in the Gospel, Peter had confidently promised to follow Jesus even to death, only to deny him (John 13:36-38 36Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” 37Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!John 13:36-38
Now, after Peter's failure, Jesus entrusts him with caring for his sheep and calls him to follow once again.
Consider what this encounter reveals about the Shepherd's relationship with those who have failed him.
Practice
Think of someone God has placed within your circle of care—a family member, friend, neighbor, or fellow believer. Find one specific way to demonstrate the Shepherd's concern for that person today.
Rather than doing something impressive, choose an act of attentive love: listening, encouraging, helping, or simply making time for someone.
Prayer
Thank Jesus for the grace that restores and calls us to follow him. Ask him to deepen your love for the people around you and to help you care for them with the patience and tenderness he has shown you.