The Final Wrap-Up

The Gospel of John concludes after Jesus is raised from the dead, and before He ascends to Heaven. John records in the twenty-first chapter that Jesus appears to the disciples three different times. It was during His final appearance that Jesus takes the time to talk with Peter, the disciple who had denied Him.

John 21:15-17:

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Feed My lambs."
He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to Him, "Tend My sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?"
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."

We find here a very humble Peter. It was not the same Peter as before, when he had declared boldly during their final Passover together that he would gladly lay down his life for Jesus. Later that evening, when the soldiers had come to the garden as Judas betrayed the Lord, Peter drew His sword and with all valiance sliced off the ear of an attending servant!

Many things happened during that night, among them the fulfillment of Christ's prediction that Peter would deny Him three times. When Peter realized what he had done, he wept from shame. However, before Jesus ascended to Heaven and before sending the Holy Spirit, He wanted to have one final chat with Peter. He did not ask Peter about his faith, or his faint-heartedness. He did not inquire about his courage, or his cowardice. Jesus simply asked, "Do you love Me?"

Thank You, Lord, for all Your care for us. Thank You for seeing our condition and loving us so much that You came to die that Your shed blood might save us from Hell. Thank You for not leaving us in our hopeless state. Your mercy is everlasting. Amen.