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

Monday, December 28, 2026

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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

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13 Related Resources by Heartlight

I Doubt It: You Still Have a Lot to Offer
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Cruciformed Disciple
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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.
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Illustration

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

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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.

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