John 21:15, Feed My Lambs

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”  He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

Jesus is having a public show down with Peter, asking him in front of the other disciples if Peter truly loves him, even more than the other disciples. Why is he doing this? The answer is that Jesus plans to reinstate Peter, the rock, as leader of the band of disciples after Peter had denied him three times in the courtyard of the high priest’s house. It is interesting to note, however, that Jesus calls him Simon instead of Peter because he did not live up to being the rock Jesus said he would be. Earlier Peter had said that even if all the other disciples would fall away, he never would. Jesus is holding Peter accountable. Jesus will ask Peter three times if he loves him to undo the thrice denial Peter made days before.

To show that he actually loves Jesus, Jesus calls him into service by feeding Jesus’ lambs. What Jesus means is that if Peter is truly devoted to him above everything else, then Peter will take on Jesus’ call to evangelize others. That is what he means by feeding. Jesus has already said that the Good Shepherd has other sheep who are outside of the flock. He is commissioning Peter to go and look for these people, who are Gentiles, and bring to them the good news of Jesus, who is Lord and Savior.

Lord Jesus, when we fail like Peter, thank you that by confession and repentance, you accept us back forgiven and restored. Help us to follow you and feed your lambs. Amen.