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Restoration
I loved what NIVAC John had to say about our passage for today, so here's an extended excerpt:
"Following their meal as they sit on the beach thinking about their handsome catch of fish, Jesus strikes up a conversation with Peter. The solemn character of the moment is underscored by Jesus’ form of address: “Simon son of John.” Simon was the apostle’s given name but Jesus had renamed him “Peter” (Matt. 16:18). Peter’s name occurs frequently in this Gospel but not like this. Each time Jesus questions Peter here, he uses this full and formal form of address.
We should keep in mind that these verses are closely linked with the fishing miracle of 21:1–14. Thus, when Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me more than these,” we are forced to examine the context to unravel the meaning of “these.” Is Jesus asking, “Do you love me more than you love these boats and fish?” Or, “do you love me more than you love these men with whom you are working?” These two options are relevant since Peter has rejoined his fishing career and now with his friends around him, perhaps Jesus is calling him to make a choice. Does he love his career or is he willing to be Christ’s disciple with a thoroughgoing call to ministry?
We must keep in mind that it was Peter who spoke up when Jesus predicted his betrayal. In the Synoptics he said that he alone would continue to be faithful even if the others fell away (Matt. 26:33; Mark 14:29). John describes for us Peter’s zeal to follow Jesus despite warnings of death. “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you” (13:37; cf. 15:12–13). And, of course, the deepest irony of this story is that once Peter utters this pledge, he denies Christ three times. But in the present setting, Jesus is the One who knows all things (1:42; 2:25; 16:30), and he understands that despite this terrible falling, Peter is still a man of faith and commitment. Jesus may then be asking, “Do you [indeed] love me more than these other men love me?” Jesus is asking Peter to examine the strength of his earlier pledges.
The first step in Peter’s restoration comes when Jesus asks Peter to bring “the fish” to shore (21:10). Even this mundane task sets him apart, affirming his position as a leader among these men. Jesus may even be remembering his call to make these men “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19), so that now the “catch” is going to be Peter’s responsibility. But fishing will not be the primary metaphor for Peter’s future." [1]
Peter messed up. Big time - but Jesus restores Peter. This is one of the very last scenes in John's Gospel, and what does it teach? Forgiveness. Forgiveness and a mission. Beyond simply restoring Peter, Jesus gives him a mission:
Take care of my people.
Take care of my people.
Take care of my people.
Forgiveness and restoration is not only about Peter, but about the people of God. He is a fisher of men, and he must now go back to that mission.
Questions? Comments?
Restoration
I loved what NIVAC John had to say about our passage for today, so here's an extended excerpt:
"Following their meal as they sit on the beach thinking about their handsome catch of fish, Jesus strikes up a conversation with Peter. The solemn character of the moment is underscored by Jesus’ form of address: “Simon son of John.” Simon was the apostle’s given name but Jesus had renamed him “Peter” (Matt. 16:18). Peter’s name occurs frequently in this Gospel but not like this. Each time Jesus questions Peter here, he uses this full and formal form of address.
We should keep in mind that these verses are closely linked with the fishing miracle of 21:1–14. Thus, when Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me more than these,” we are forced to examine the context to unravel the meaning of “these.” Is Jesus asking, “Do you love me more than you love these boats and fish?” Or, “do you love me more than you love these men with whom you are working?” These two options are relevant since Peter has rejoined his fishing career and now with his friends around him, perhaps Jesus is calling him to make a choice. Does he love his career or is he willing to be Christ’s disciple with a thoroughgoing call to ministry?
We must keep in mind that it was Peter who spoke up when Jesus predicted his betrayal. In the Synoptics he said that he alone would continue to be faithful even if the others fell away (Matt. 26:33; Mark 14:29). John describes for us Peter’s zeal to follow Jesus despite warnings of death. “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you” (13:37; cf. 15:12–13). And, of course, the deepest irony of this story is that once Peter utters this pledge, he denies Christ three times. But in the present setting, Jesus is the One who knows all things (1:42; 2:25; 16:30), and he understands that despite this terrible falling, Peter is still a man of faith and commitment. Jesus may then be asking, “Do you [indeed] love me more than these other men love me?” Jesus is asking Peter to examine the strength of his earlier pledges.
The first step in Peter’s restoration comes when Jesus asks Peter to bring “the fish” to shore (21:10). Even this mundane task sets him apart, affirming his position as a leader among these men. Jesus may even be remembering his call to make these men “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19), so that now the “catch” is going to be Peter’s responsibility. But fishing will not be the primary metaphor for Peter’s future." [1]
Peter messed up. Big time - but Jesus restores Peter. This is one of the very last scenes in John's Gospel, and what does it teach? Forgiveness. Forgiveness and a mission. Beyond simply restoring Peter, Jesus gives him a mission:
Take care of my people.
Take care of my people.
Take care of my people.
Forgiveness and restoration is not only about Peter, but about the people of God. He is a fisher of men, and he must now go back to that mission.
Questions? Comments?
[1] Gary M. Burge, NIV Application Commentary: John (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), 586-87.
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