“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.’ 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.’ 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.’”
- John 21:15-17 -

Jesus uses in verses 15 and 16 a word derived from agape, the distinctively Christian word especially associated with love as self- giving, humble service. Peter answers with a different word, derived from phileo, a word that means love, often associated with friendship. We need to note the other distinctions Jesus makes through the three questions: having asked Peter whether he loves him more than the others in verse 15 and whether he truly loves him in verse 16, Jesus uses Peter’s own word in verse 17 when he asks the question a third time. Peter is grieved both by the threefold repetition of the question and the diminishing love requested. He won’t claim anything now with words but will trust Jesus to know his heart (v 17b). Reminiscent of when he denied his Lord, Peter’s response of love draws forth a threefold reaffirmation of Jesus’ call: to teach and to pastor his flock.

Prayer: Mighty God, penetrate the corners of my heart and give me a right faith, a certain hope, and a perfect love for you.

(from Encounter with God)