In John 21:15-17, the Risen Savior wanted to talk to Peter, alone, during that memorable cookout by the Sea—though others were there in that small group of at least 7 or 8 disciples [verse 2]. Peter had, perhaps unwittingly, encouraged some of this group to return with him to the sea [verse 3] to fishing—a good distraction for fishermen from the confusion that, no doubt, troubled their minds [Luke 24:37-38; John 14:1]. Their dreams of ministry and glory were misplaced and misunderstood—not fantasized.
Peter probably felt that Jesus had every right to exclude him from any future plans. Peter’s denial in the courtyard must have lingered as a haunting regret. It seems unlikely someone in that group of fishermen wouldn’t raise the matter to, hopefully, downplay its impact on his thoughts and feelings. We were told in verse 2 that Thomas, the doubter, was there, who might support Peter’s despondency as reasonable, making matters worse. And there was Nathaniel, the man of impeccable honesty and transparency, who probably made little of Peter’s outburst at the hand warming incident, since, Jesus was obviously in a forgiving mood. Jesus cooked a fish banquet for them! Two disciples on opposite ends of an argument possibly raised to determine the weight of Peter’s misbehavior while Jesus was before the Tribunal.
Perhaps, none of this happened that way, but something was on the Savior’s mind when He singled out His forlorn follower who had withdrawn alone—God knows where—for days to weep and perhaps punish himself with thoughts of “what have I done! I lied!” Peter might have concluded that there was no future worth dreaming about anymore. At the time, he was not privileged to have the rich theological discussions we are prone to banter about, nor a pastor who would pray with him. But he did have Jesus!
This sets the stage for what Jesus said to him. He didn’t call him, Peter, nor Simon. He used both names, “Simon Peter, son of Jonas,” with his new honorific, his calling card and new life in Christ centered symbolically between his Jewish name and progenitor, “Peter” by which he would forever after be known.
There is a compassionate tenderness in the Savior’s voice, no doubt, reminding His disciple not only of his heritage “Simon ..son of…” but more so of his calling, “Peter.” And the Savior went to the well 3 times [maybe more. Three could mean countless—like with Paul’s thorn in his flesh?].
“Peter do you love me?”
Excellent question when we feel like quitting—not because of something the Savior did or didn’t do, but—because of our own short comings and failings. The theology helps a little to think we have an old nature that isn’t quite dead yet—but only a little bit.
Peter was inevitably “grieved” [this word “to be in pain” requires the context for meaning] over the Savior’s persistent “badgering”
“You keep bring it up! Of course, I love You, Jesus!”Simon Peter, son of Jonas, reiterated.
Finally, Peter, added, ““Lord, You know all things! You know I do!”
Perhaps, this was where the Savior was going. Perhaps, Peter’s emotional healing would begin with “Lord, You know all things.” Peter’s future was in the hands of the “All-knowing” One, something it is always good to know especially in desperate, anxious, moments [and especially if, like Peter, you tend to make rash decisions].
Peter’s future was in those 5 words [4 in Greek] The term “know” here means “to perceive.” Jesus had a different perspective than Peter did; for, Peter had no idea at that point what was happening. Who expected Jesus to invite them to a fish-fry? They went from no catch to too many fish to haul to shore! It was John who first recognized that the man on the beach was Jesus. John told Peter —impetuous Peter—who in verse 7 dove into the water. Did he give any consideration as to how far it was to the shore!?
But in keeping with the theme of this book: This spontaneous act of hurling himself into the sea speaks to the state of his heart, his desire to be with the Savior and, in an ultimate sense, follow Him. No matter what else Peter did or didn’t do or say on that most recent Passover eve, this single moment of leaving the boat in such a dramatic fashion told Jesus all He needed to know about this man’s heart!
Once on shore and probably enjoying some of the best cooked fish ever, through a simple quiz Peter was to learn that the shame of his denial was past and must not become the accuser’s opportunity to hinder him in his calling. The Father had already given Jesus a burden for Peter. Luke recorded Jesus saying to Peter on an earlier occasion, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat, [Oh, the message in these verse!] But I have been in prayer for you Simon, that your faith should not fail.” [Luke 22:31-32]
Jesus in this seaside chat did not directly reference Peter’s actions in that courtyard, but the student of God’s Word can imagine it was on Peter’s mind. Jesus was not looking at Peter’s past failings because He was looking at his heart—which is what God does. To assure Peter that he was still very much a part of all God was doing and going to do, Jesus instructed him to feed His sheep [and lambs].
Now I wonder if this incident was on the Apostle’s mind when he penned 1 Peter 1:7? It is your faith being tested—not you. You will not be next to a fire [as he was when Jesus was falsely indicted and Peter was warming his hands]. You will be in the fire that your faith can be purified. Isaiah 43:2 prophesied, “When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.”
Our faith is being purified to the Glory and Honor of God at Jesus’ appearing. God’s “tests” serve, then, a double purpose: to strengthen faith and affirm the call of God on our lives.
Don’t lose the main point of this story, the difference in perspective between Peter and Jesus. Peter saw his failings. Jesus saw his heart!
