The Miraculous Failure Of Peter

John 21:15-17

15  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.” 16 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.” 17 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.”

Peter's denial of Jesus is a poignant moment recorded in the Gospels, illustrating human frailty in the face of fear. After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed at a distance, attempting to remain inconspicuous. When confronted by others who recognized him as a follower of Christ, he vehemently denied knowing Jesus three times, each denial reflecting his growing anxiety and fear for his own safety. This act of denial, predicted by Jesus during the Last Supper, served as a profound reminder of the complexities of faith and the struggle between loyalty and self-preservation. Ultimately, Peter's subsequent repentance and restoration demonstrate that even those who falter can find redemption and a renewed purpose in their faith journey.

So we might ask, what of this frailty ? After the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter and the other disciples found themselves in a state of confusion and fear, unsure of their next steps. Seeking solace in familiarity, they decided to go fishing on the Sea of Galilee, hoping that the casting of nets might provide some comfort from their grief and uncertainty. As the fishermen labored through the night, their nets returning empty time after time, a figure appeared on the distant shore with the first light of dawn. It was Jesus, standing with an air of calm assurance, a stark contrast to their frustration and fatigue. He called out to them, asking if they had caught anything, but the answer was a weary no. Then, with a simple command to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, hope stirred within them. As they obeyed, their nets suddenly filled to overflowing, reminding them that in moments of despair, faith and obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes.

And as for the rest of the most important part of the story, the reinstatement of Peter began. As the disciples pulled their boat ashore, the early morning light revealed the figure of Jesus waiting for them by a charcoal fire, the smell of fish hanging in the air. It was here that He turned to Peter, asking him three separate times, “Do you love me?” This question echoed deeply, resonating with the weight of Peter's earlier denial however, each time Peter responded with “Yes”. Now, what is most important to note here was the word Jesus used for love and the word Peter used for love. The first two times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, Jesus used the Greek word “agape” which means “selfless”, “unconditional” or “sacrificial” love. And each time Peter responded, the word he used for love was”phileo” which means “brotherly”, “companion” or “friendly” love. However, the third time Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, He used the word (phileo). And as Peter responded with the word for love (phileo), he (Peter) became hurt. So, in essence, Jesus was saying to Peter, “Peter, I know you love me (phileo), but do you know, that even though you denied me, I still love you (agape). With each affirmation, Jesus entrusted Peter with the care of His flock, reinstating him not only as a follower but as a leader, a testament to the grace that restores and the calling that persists despite past failures.

Prayerful Thought….

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:72

And Remember…….

“ We are often controlled in life by three things: people, money and past experiences. The world will ask you who you are and if you don’t know, the world will tell you!”

“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee