Restoration

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

RESTORATION

John 21:15-19

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."  16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."  17 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. 18 I tell you the truth, 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."  19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" 

NIV

There are several interesting truths that are within this exchange with Peter. First, the Greek word Jesus uses all three times he asks Peter if he loves him is agapaoo. It is a variation of what we use as agapee and carries both the meaning of social or moral love and of the love God has for his creation by sending Jesus for their salvation. Peter, on the other hand, uses all three times the Greek word Fileoo which is used as brotherly love or to be friendly toward. This is the word which it seems the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, gets its name. Jesus asks if he loves him in one sense and Peter responds that he does in another sense. But then, how can a man love as God loves? Perhaps we need not try to, but be content to love each other as brothers. Those who serve or had served in the armed forces understand this concept of being a band of brothers, willing, if needed, to give their lives for others. This is the type of brotherly love, friendly toward each other love, Peter, and we are capable of. But to think we can have this agapaoo, benevolent type love that God has for us would, we would only be deceiving ourselves. The other interesting truth is in regarding Jesus telling Peter to feed His lambs, take care of his sheep, and feed his sheep. He does use two different Greek words, one for lambs and one for sheep. Here we have to get the idea there are both young Christians, recent converts, and those who have been walking with the Lord for years. Because Jesus used the word to feed twice and the word that means to tend to once, and it was directed to Peter, and perhaps to the others, as we are not told Jesus pulled Peter aside for a private conversation, but that all the others were hearing this exchange. This would then also apply, by extension, to all those who are called to feed the lambs, feed the Sheep, and tend to the flock, such as those called to be pastors. Feeding would always apply to giving them the word of God, and tending would apply to caring for, being concerned about their lives, both spiritual and physical. This would certainly apply to those who can devote their lives, full-time to this type of calling, or ministry. However, it does not relieve every believer from caring, loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. But there is something special about this full-time calling, this feeding both the newly born again believer and those who have walked with the Lord most of their lives. There is one more truth that applies directly to Peter, which is interesting how Jesus always speaks into our lives as well. Peter was one of the most outspoken of the disciples, as we are aware. It seems he is the one who is always speaking up and made the boldest of professions of faith. Peter is also the one who ended up denying he even knew Jesus three times. So here Jesus asks him three times to profess his love once again. It is as if Jesus is giving an opportunity to be restored in his love. Jesus is cleansing Peter’s three denials, with his three professions of love. What truth for us, as when we fail him when we yield to some temptation, whatever kind that be, and we once again repent seek forgiveness and Jesus forgives, he cleanses us and restores us. Whether it is three for three or one for one, Jesus is always about restoration, loving, and caring for his flock, us, the people of God, because there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.