He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." [Jesus] said to him, "Feed my sheep". JOHN 21:17
Have you ever heard someone say, "things happen in 3"? And when 2 similar events happen to you, you begin anticipating that 3rd thing to happen? By the 3rd time that Jesus asks Simon Peter if he loves him, you can sense Peter's frustration and maybe a little self-doubt. But Jesus does this intentionally, as if Peter's affirmation of love is an act of restoration for his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion. Each time Peter confirms his love, he does so more fervently. And with each affirmation Jesus asks Peter to do something for him. He asks him to feed and take care of his lambs and sheep. As we know, Peter will become the cornerstone of Jesus's church.
It's important to note that even though Peter abandoned his Lord in his hour of need, Jesus did not give up on him. He loved Peter and saw the true feelings which Peter had for him. He loves us in the same way. There's no doubt that each of will sin again and maybe even fall away from God. But He never gives up on us. God IS love, and so long as we continue to live a Christian life as best we can, He will never stop loving us.
Lord, thank you for your unconditional love for me. Give me the courage to show my love for you in my thoughts, words, and deeds.
