Key Text: Jesus said unto him the third time, Simon, son Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep (John 21:17).
Jesus did teach as He traveled from village to village, healing and casting out demons. But it was the crowds that He was teaching. Mark suggests that Jesus’ teaching was both about Himself and about life in His kingdom. And, His disciples (the Greek word means pupil or learner) reported what the people were saying (who had seen Jesus’ miracles, who listened to His teaching, who had been restored by His healing power, and who had eaten of the bread and fishes He had multiplied). Everywhere people were convinced that Jesus was among the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets and might even be one of the ancestors restored to life. Then the shift in Jesus’ ministry turned toward teaching His disciples about how to live as disciples, how to please God, and His coming death. Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am? Peter answered for them all, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29). The compliments of the crowds fail to acknowledge Christ for who He is, which constituted a rejection of Him. And so, Jesus now turned to instruct His disciples who did believe.
Then Jesus spoke to Peter who was so sure of himself; so proud and confident in his commitment. If he only knew how Satan had desired to have him (Luke 22:31-33). Peter was sure nothing could touch his loyalty. He felt self-sufficient and able. But soon he would deny the Lord v 34. When Jesus was bound and dragged to the high priest, Peter followed the crowd, but in the darkness and among Jesus’ enemies, his courage faded. When Peter was accused by servants of being one of Jesus’ companions, he shivered, he cursed angrily and denied his Lord three times (John 18:27).
Even with Jesus’ resurrection; an established fact, the disciples were uncertain. Confused, Peter and the others returned for a brief time to their old occupation of fishing, but with little success. Jesus appears and directs His disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat and suddenly the net filled with a “shoal” of fish, so many that the men were unable to haul them into their boat. When they returned to shore, the disciples found that Jesus had prepared fish and bread for their breakfast. After the meal, Jesus spoke directly to Peter who had denied Him three times. Now Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15). Three times Peter said, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” And three times Jesus charged Peter, “Feed My sheep,” and, finally, “Follow Me.” In trusting Peter with the valuable position of caring for fellow believers, Christ demonstrated that He not only forgave Peter, He trusted Peter as well. AMEN!
Applying Christian Teaching to Social, Economic and Racial Issues
In the most intense expression of commitment to stay close to Jesus, to love Him, and to obey Him, Peter learned an important lesson of humility. Through failure, this one-boastful follower of Christ recognized that Jesus had examined his heart. God’s people require constant care as we are prone to wander and stray. We need the discipleship and instruction that comes through the fellowship of the body of Christ. Peter’s story demonstrates that pride hinders us from obeying God’s plans for our lives. Christians have a unique role in telling the world about God’s power to change lives and bring hope. As we humble ourselves, God will provide us with unique and powerful opportunities to share His message with those in need. Perhaps our college of bishops were inspired by Peter’s story to ask us to stay informed, vote like your life depends on it, stay together, relate the mission to scripture, and stay prayed up! AMEN
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