David Bahn – Reflections

John 20:15-19

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” ¹⁶ He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

I can remember the first time I fell for a girl. I was in second grade. She sat in the desk in front of me. I passed notes to her, telling her I loved her. One day as we were going back to our desks I took and kissed her hand. I think that was the last time we had any interaction; I was too embarrassed and she was not ready for such a show of affection. How foolish of that seven-year-old boy – or if not foolish, simply naive.

There’s more to love than a kiss on the hand. Jesus knew that, but perhaps Peter did not. So Jesus will ask Peter about his love, “Do you love me…?” three times.

Many see this encounter between Jesus and Peter as a reinstatement of sorts: Peter being reinstated to his place as an apostle, or even the head of the apostles. He had fallen, denying Jesus three times on that cruel night of Jesus’ trial. Certainly the occasion was brought home by the fact that Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loved him. John even makes a point of the presence of a charcoal fire; mentioned in the whole Bible only here and by John in the account of Peter’s denial of Jesus. The smell alone would bring the memories flooding back. Perhaps this is part of the dynamic of the event.

At least equally important is the insight about love that Jesus reveals in his questions of Peter and the implication of Peter’s affirmation. Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” When Peter says yes, Jesus tells him, “Feed my sheep.” Love, by Jesus’ reckoning, looks like caring for those whom Jesus loves. If Peter loves Jesus, Peter will give attention to Jesus’ loved-ones. He will feed and tend the flock who follow Jesus. The reference is to the work of a spiritual shepherd – a pastor. Leading, feeding, directing, and protecting the people of God.

There is, however, more to love even than that, and Jesus shows it here, too. Jesus is willing to ask the tough question. He is willing to probe, not settling for the simple answer to his question of love. He loves Peter enough to get to Peter’s heart. And finally, on the third question, Peter is undone. Love looks for the pain in another’s heart and seeks to heal it.

Notice, also, that Peter’s love Peter is grieved that Jesus asks a third time. But after the question, Peter’s grief, and his answer, Jesus still turns him toward caring for those whom Jesus loved. Love entrusts precious ones to the care of those who are loved. Jesus will not be present on earth much longer, and must make provision for their care. He sees the blessings that others may experience from Peter and entrusts those loved-ones to Peter. Love is not diminished by its sharing; it is enhanced in its breadth.

There is an endless supply of love from God. We are called to represent God to a world that is darkened by hatred, cheap imitations of love, and ill will. Peter’s commission is ours: show God’s love to others. How might you experience and express that love today?