Day Three John 21:15-17
15 “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. 16 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. 17 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)
Discover
1. Instead of focusing on Peter’s earlier failures, what is Jesus focused on instead?
2. Whose sheep does Jesus want Peter to care for?
3. Why is Peter hurt by the line of questioning from Jesus?
Respond
Peter has been humbled by his failures, but Jesus is unfazed by them. Instead of focusing on Peter’s denials of Him, Jesus addresses Peter’s heart. Jesus has a mission for Peter to accomplish, and He gets Peter’s eyes back on what’s important – loving Him and taking care of His sheep. Spend some time asking yourself these same questions: do you love Jesus? How has He asked you to feed His sheep? Ask God for an increased love for Him and for His sheep.
For Further Reading: The Marvelous Meaning of ‘Feed My Sheep’
For Families with Kids at Home
Do you think of your kids as God’s sheep? They are! And they’ve been entrusted to you. Reflect on the ways your kids feel and receive love best, and then today, find one small way to show or tell them how much you love them.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.