15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you 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 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 Very truly I tell you, 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!”
Reflection:
When Jesus was betrayed by his disciples and put to trial, Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter felt so sorry and unworthy that he could no longer love the Lord and follow Him. Did you have similar
experience that you were discouraged and felt sorry after you denied Jesus in your life? How did you feel?
Jesus did not give up Peter. After his resurrection from the dead, he once again took the initiative to find Peter. Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus also asked Peter three times: “Peter, do you love me?”
Jesus let Peter know that He still longs for his love. This shows us that the salvation Jesus accomplished for us on the cross is effective, not only at the beginning when you pray for repentance and accept Jesus as your Lord, but also at times when you determine to follow Him again after you have been weak and fell back to the Lord. This is the love of the cross, which loves you, loves me till the end and never changes. At this moment are you willing to tell the Lord, “Yes Lord, I love you”?
After Peter met the Lord Jesus, his life changed dramatically. He responded to the Lord’s love by preaching the Gospel and being a good shepherd to the churches. How about you? How would you
respond to the Lord’s love? Starting today in which areas you are willing to be better equipped yourself so that you will be able to tell the Lord: “Lord, I am ready, please use me.”?