When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs,” he told him. A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love you.” “Shepherd my sheep,” he told him. He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.” (John 21:15-19, CSB).

John 21 reads like an epilogue to his book. John’s gospel seems to end in Chapter 20 with the last statement concluding that his purpose for telling this story was so its readers might believe that Jesus was the Messiah and receive eternal life (vs. 31).

The appearance of Jesus to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee that John described in Chapter 21 provides an interesting twist to the resurrection and ascension story. It portrays Jesus in a different light from the Resurrected Christ.

When reading this story I often become obsessed with finding some hidden meaning in Jesus’ threefold questioning of Peter.

Why did Jesus first He say “lambs” and then say “sheep” the other two times?

Why did Jesus say “feed” then say “shepherd” then say “feed” again.

Does the use of two Greek synonyms for love in the exchange between Jesus and Peter indicate some distinction in meanings?

While it’s unlikely there is any hidden meanings or distinctions behind Jesus’ series of interrogations of Peter by the Sea of Galilee, it’s more likely that Jesus was attempting to restore Peter’s faith because he had denied Jesus after His arrest in Jerusalem.

It’s not really hard to conceive that after Jesus’ execution Peter was feeling extremely guilty, downcast and even depressed about his failure of loyalty. So, His line of questioning was simply Jesus trying to help Peter work through his guilt and reclaim his faith.

If there’s anything to read between the lines, it’s that Jesus created an opportunity for Peter to make a threefold declaration of love for Jesus to offset Peter’s three-fold denial of Jesus and associated sense of guilt. Then, Jesus reassured Peter he would be a faithful disciple even until his death.

I generally read the Gospels looking for Jesus to throw down a miracle or declare some profound spiritual truth or both at every turn in the story. What’s extraordinary or miraculous about this story is that Jesus had an appointment in heaven, yet He took time before leaving this world to console and reassure Peter!

This episode from the epilogue of John’s gospel affords us another perspective to the ending of the story of Jesus. Jesus, the Risen Lord and Savior, is also a friend that cares deeply for the well-being of His individual followers.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16, CSB)