What Jesus Did! 'The Third Time' — John 21:15-17

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Your Support Matters!

Your donations are vital to help us keep the light shining.

 Donate Now
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."

"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."

"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep."

— John 21:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

Do you think Peter hears the rooster crow again when Jesus asks him the question the third time? Three times earlier Peter had denied his Lord by a charcoal fire. [1] Three times beside another charcoal fire, [2] his Lord asks him about the genuineness of his love. Jesus is creative and sensitive, but he is also determined — Peter has to face his failure. So Jesus confronts him three times. Peter had claimed his dedication was stronger than the rest. [3] Jesus asks him if he still claims to love his Lord more than the rest. Peter had claimed that he would never deny his Lord, but he did so three times. [4] Jesus' loving confrontation of Peter isn't about shaming him, but reclaiming him. Peter has to face his failure, so Jesus asks him three times. Jesus also reaffirms Peter's call to ministry three times. Have you failed the Lord? Don't despair. He can and will use you if you will be open about your failure and let him call you again to ministry and service.

[1] John 18:17-18, 25-26.
[2] John 21:9.
[3] Mark 14:29.
[4] Mark 14:31; John 18:17, 25-27.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me for my failures, sins, and moments of unfaithfulness. With your Spirit, strengthen my faithfulness, renew my passion for holiness, rekindle my commitment, and restore me to service in your Kingdom. I want to honor and serve you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 51:1-3, 7-13
  • Psalm 32:1-4
  • James 5:16

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 28, 2022

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'In the Power of the Spirit' (Lk. 4:14)
"Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 11:28
"[Jesus said,] "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.""
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Messiah Has Come!' (Acts 28:20)
"[Paul addressed the Jewish leaders in Rome and explained:] "I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Galatians 2:20
"When the Lord in mercy passed by and saw us in our blood, he first of all said, "Live"; and this he did first, because life is one of the absolutely....."

Illustration

Illustration of John 21:15-17 NLT — "Then feed my sheep."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!