John 21:15-19
Feed My Sheep
Read the passage
15When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.”
16Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.”
17Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
18Truly, truly, I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked 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.”
19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
After the meal, Jesus asks Simon Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter answers each time that Jesus knows he loves him. Jesus responds by telling him to feed his lambs, tend his sheep, and feed his sheep. The three questions echo Peter's three denials, but Jesus does not leave Peter trapped in the memory of his failure.
Peter is hurt when Jesus asks again. He appeals to what Jesus knows: “Lord, You know all things.” Jesus knows Peter's love as well as his failure. He entrusts His sheep to Peter's care, giving him responsibility for people who belong to Jesus.
Jesus then tells Peter that he will stretch out his hands and be carried where he does not want to go. John explains that this points to the kind of death by which Peter will glorify God. The call to follow Jesus includes costly faithfulness, not just useful activity or visible success.
The scene is tender and serious at the same time. Peter's past is neither ignored nor allowed to define his entire future. Jesus knows what Peter has done, asks what Peter loves, entrusts people to his care, and tells him to follow.
Peter had once promised to lay down his life for Jesus (John 13:37). Now Jesus speaks of Peter's future death and tells him to follow. The disciple who failed is called forward by the Lord who knows him.
Questions
1 What does Jesus ask Peter three times beside the sea?
AnswerJesus asks Peter three times whether he loves Him, and each time He commissions Peter to feed or tend His sheep.
2 How does Peter's answer lead to Jesus' command to feed his sheep?
AnswerPeter says that Jesus knows he loves Him. Jesus responds by entrusting His lambs and sheep to Peter's care. Love for Jesus is to take shape in caring for His people.
3 Why does Jesus tell Peter that following him will eventually cost him his freedom?
AnswerJesus tells Peter that when he is old he will stretch out his hands, and someone else will dress him and lead him where he does not want to go. John says this signifies the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.
4 How can our household receive restoration as a call to love and serve, not merely relief from guilt?
AnswerName one person or responsibility your household has been entrusted with, then ask what attentive care would look like this week. If past failure is involved, choose a repair that is honest without pretending trust can be rebuilt instantly.
What This Means for Us
Peter's failure has not ended Jesus' call on his life. That gives hope when shame makes us think we have nothing left to offer. Jesus knows the truth about Peter and still entrusts him with work.
The people Peter will care for remain Jesus' sheep. Remembering whose they are keeps service from becoming possession. If you teach, lead, or care for someone, ask what will nourish their faith and help them follow Christ.
Restoration does not make following easy. Jesus speaks plainly about the cost ahead. Bring Him both your gratitude for forgiveness and your fear about what obedience may require. The command to follow comes from the Lord who knows you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You know our love and our failures. Thank You that You do not leave Peter in shame. Help us care for the people who belong to You and give us courage to follow when the way is costly. Amen.