What Jesus Did! 'The Third Time' — John 21:15-17

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."

"Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."

"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep."

— John 21:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

Do you think Peter hears the rooster crow again when Jesus asks him the question the third time? Three times earlier Peter had denied his Lord by a charcoal fire. [1] Three times beside another charcoal fire, [2] his Lord asks him about the genuineness of his love. Jesus is creative and sensitive, but he is also determined - Peter has to face his failure. So Jesus confronts him three times. Peter had claimed his dedication was stronger than the rest. [3] Jesus asks him if he still claims to love his Lord more than the rest. Peter had claimed that he would never deny his Lord, but he did so three times. [4] Jesus' loving confrontation of Peter isn't about shaming him, but reclaiming him. Peter has to face his failure, so Jesus asks him three times. Jesus also reaffirms Peter's call to ministry three times. Have you failed the Lord? Don't despair. He can and will use you if you will be open about your failure and let him call you again to ministry and service.

[1] John 18:17-18, 25-26.
[2] John 21:9.
[3] Mark 14:29.
[4] Mark 14:31; John 18:17, 25-27.

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive me for my failures, sins, and moments of unfaithfulness. With your Spirit, strengthen my faithfulness, renew my passion for holiness, rekindle my commitment, and restore me to service in your Kingdom. I want to honor and serve you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

13 Related Resources by Heartlight

I Doubt It: You Still Have a Lot to Offer
Article by Phil Ware
Yes, we've all blown it at some point, yet Jesus does more than remind us we're valuable; the Lord calls us back to service! Phil Ware continues his 'I Doubt It' series and reminds us that Jesus not only forgives and cleanses, but he restores and calls us back to ministry.
Cruciformed Disciple
Article by Phil Ware
If the Lord can transform Peter with his failures, imagine what the Lord can do with you. Phil Ware finishes his four part series on Peter and following Jesus by focusing on Jesus transforming and cruciforming him into a great servant for the Kingdom of God.
On the Other Side
Article by Ben Steed
Like the disciples, we often look directly at Jesus yet fail to recognize him. He moved about the room like a tornado comprised of stickers, kittens, lollipops and pure joy.
A Charcoal Fire & the Smell of Redemption
Article by Phil Ware
Why make someone relive his or her sin, why not just ignore it? Phil Ware continues his Saved at Sea series focusing on Peter's denials, his promises, his arrogance, his failure, and his restoration.
See All 13 Related Resources about John 21:15-17

Illustration

Illustration of John 21:15-17 NLT — "Then feed my sheep."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 33:12
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Winning the Hearts of Your Critics'
"Dear Friend, Just as Paul faced his legal ordeals and challenging travels to Rome, My disciples in Asia Minor faced growing criticism, ostracism, and..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Lord Sits in Majesty'
"The Lord is king! Let the nations tremble! He sits on his throne between the cherubim. Let the whole earth quake! The Lord sits in majesty... exalted...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Magnificent Service' (Ep. 3:1-8)
"Dear Father, Thank you for the great apostle Paul and for his life of magnificent service. I know that it was through your graciousness that he was....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!