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.” John 21:15
The time come that Peter likely dreaded with with every ounce of his
being but which was absolutely essential. The meal is over and the Lord calls Peter’s name. When they had finished breakfast The word
when is used to describe the sequence. The disciples dined with the Lord. In Jewish culture, meals had additional layers of religious and ceremonial significance, often involving blessings and thanksgiving to God. The act of dining together was a symbol of unity and shared life. But eating a meal together was not enough. Now it is time for the
Lord to turn to Peter to discuss his restoration to serve the Lord.
Jesus said to Simon Peter The Lord turns to Peter. This appears to occur in front of the other disciples. The Lord would want them to know of His reinstatement of Peter serve Him.
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” The Lord asks Peter a question. Note he still uses his old name, Simon to reflect where Peter is living – in the flesh and apart from the Lord’s love, authority and will. The Lord’s question is simple and explores a core issue He asks if Peter loves Him more than these. We don’t know the specific meaning of the word these. Did the Lord refer to fishing as He gestures toward the boat on the shore? After all Peter had said he was giving up and going back to fishing. Did the Lord refer to the 153 large fish that lay in the net on the shore. Did Peter love the profit that fishing could bring him – the life style it could provide as opposed to living by faith and depending on the Lord? Perhaps the Lord gestured toward the other disciples. After all Peter had boasted in the Upper Room that even“If all shall be offended in thee, I will never be offended”. More than likely the Lord’s question covers each of these areas.
Love me The Lord tests Peter’s level of love for Him. Here he uses the word “agape”. This is the word for love that is willing to give up anything for the good of another. It is the self-sacrificial love that Christ showed for us on the cross. It is the type of love that Peter professed for Christ. “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” Will you give all for me?
“Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Peter hears the Lord’s question and he knows that he has not demonstrated the “agape” love he professed. He could not claim sacrificial love for the Lord s. He denied Him three times Therefore Peter tells the Lord he loves him but Peter uses the word “phileo” instead of “agape”. Strong’s Concordance states “Unlike ‘agapao’ which describes an unconditional, sacrificial love, “phileó” emphasizes mutual respect and shared experiences.” Out of a broken heart Peter tells the Lord I admit I do not love you enough to sacrifice for you but you know I am very fond of you, I respect who you are”.
“Feed my lambs.” The Lord hears Peter’s answer but does respond to His reasoning. He is right, he did not show self-sacrificial love for the Lord. But if he truly has a warm fondness for the Lord there is a
job for him. He can, he must, present the truth of Christ to others.