The Lord Jesus told us to remember Him. Jesus established the practice of observing communion (Luke 22:19-20). Soon after the Lord's table was instituted, Jesus asked His disciples to watch with Him (be awake, attentive, alert), as He prayed. When that was found to be difficult Jesus warned that the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. He then said to watch and pray that we do not enter into temptation (Matthew 26:36-41). This lesson is going to examine how Jesus challenged Peter to love Him and follow Him.

Three Times

Luke 22:31-34 - Jesus warned Peter that Satan was seeking to tear him down. But Jesus was prepared and had been praying for him. Jesus planned for Peter to have a changing point in his life that would result in a ministry that would strengthen his brothers (i.e. the other apostles and even others of the brotherhood). Peter was going to fail. He would deny Christ three times. Then he would have a conversion. He would return. He would come back and be stronger than ever. With the Lord's grace, failure is not a person. It is an event - an event that will be used for our good and God's glory (Romans 8:28; II Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 37:23-24 cp. Psalm 23:3).

John 21:15-17 - Jesus would later ask Peter three times whether he loved Him. Christ was not rubbing it in. He was not shaming Peter. Rather He was emphasizing the importance of Christ's restoration to service. Peter was not going to sit in a back row and be sad the rest of his life. Peter would be put to work to help others - to feed God's sheep like a shepherd. But love is going to be the key to persevering in the Lord's work (I Corinthians 13:1-8a). Let's back up and look at some of the events from Peter's denial to his restoration to serve in the ministry.

Following the Crowd - Bitter Tears

Luke 22:54-62 - As they led Jesus away, most of the disciples fled. That's what they were supposed to do (Matthew 26:31-32; John 18:8-9). Two disciples followed, but we will only focus on Peter. Peter followed Jesus at a distance. Observing the pattern of Psalm 1:1, we see Peter walking with the ungodly - with those who were involved with Christ's illegal arrest and trial. Next, Peter stood and sat down with them. As Peter warmed himself at their fire, he set himself up for temptation. For about an hour, as they increasingly noticed him, they began to interrogate him (Note John 18:26). Peter was filled with fear and three times denied Christ. The third time he even cursed and swore that he did not know Him (Matthew 26:74; Mark 14:71). The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Their eyes met. We may safely assume that Jesus' look showed love and sorrow. Peter's look was that of shock and grief. He went out and wept bitterly.

Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. Unlike Judas' worldly sorrow which ended in suicide (Matthew 27:1-5). Peter would repent and be restored to fellowship and service (II Corinthians 7:8-11).

Restoration and Reinstatement

Mark 16:1-7 - After Christ's resurrection, angelic instruction was directed, not just to the disciples in general, but to Peter specifically (Mark 16:7). A special meeting was to take place between Jesus and Peter (Luke 24:33-34; I Corinthians 15:3-5). Doubtless, Jesus used this time to approach Peter about his denial. In a private setting Peter would confess and be forgiven. Now he is going to go forward in the Lord's will (Luke 22:31-32).

John 21:1-14 - Jesus would have another special discussion with Peter. Jesus met with the disciples in Galilee. Were they supposed to be fishing? Maybe they were just trying to redeem the time, while waiting for the Lord to appear? Fishing would allow them to make some money that would meet their physical needs. Maybe they were discouraged and were drifting back to their old lifestyle? We do not know. But Jesus was kind to them. He gave them fish and bread. He called them to dine. He let them dry off at a nice fire. He met their physical needs.

Peter jumped off the boat and swam about a hundred yards to get to Jesus first. He was not afraid of Jesus. He was eager (Luke 7:47 cp. Proverbs 18:10; I Peter 2:25).

John 21:15-17 - After taking care of the fish that He gave them, after drying off and eating, Peter was asked some serious questions and given a challenge. This was done, not privately, but publicly, before the other disciples.

John 21:15 - "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" More than what? Some think it might be a reference to the 153 fish. Peter are you going to go back to a career in fishing? More than likely, Jesus was referring to the other disciples' love. Peter had sworn loyalty that would exceed all others (Matthew 26:33). Peter affirmed that he did love Jesus. In view of that love, Peter was told to "Feed my lambs" (i.e. make sure the young converts are fed / nourished).

John 21:16 - "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter answered again in the affirmative. In view of that love, Jesus told Peter to take care of all the sheep. The Greek word, translated "feed" in the KJV, means to tend the sheep like a shepherd.

John 21:17 - "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved that the Lord asked him again, the third time. Peter had already been forgiven privately. But now Jesus was publicly letting Peter confess Christ three times, remembering the three public denials. This is not a rebuke, but a commissioning to be a leader of others. Everyone now knows that Peter is restored and given authority to be a shepherd to Christ's sheep. Jesus is showing His plan and purpose for Peter before the others. Peter is to nurture all of the Lord's sheep. See I Peter 2:9-10; 5:1-4.