by Ruth
The dawn cast a gentle light upon the tranquil waters. Birds began their morning songs, filling the atmosphere with a sense of peace and renewal. Near the shore, several fishermen huddled around a fire, warmed their hands, and cooked the fish they had just caught.
Simon Peter, with signs of weariness on his rugged face from the recent trials and an all-too-familiar heaviness in his heart cast furtive glances at Jesus. The events of the past few weeks had been nothing short of extraordinary—Jesus’s crucifixion, His miraculous resurrection, and now His third appearance to them since rising from the dead.
As they ate in silence, Jesus turned to Peter, His expression one of earnestness. “Simon son of John,” Jesus used Peter’s original name, “do you love me more than these?”
Peter’s heart skipped a beat. He looked into Jesus’s eyes, hoping to convey the depth of his repentant spirit. “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.”
“Feed my lambs.” Authority filled Jesus’ calm voice.
Peter nodded, anxiety washing over him. As Jesus stood and looked out over the horizon, He turned back to Peter once more. “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
A twinge of confusion and a bit of discomfort clouded Peter’s mind. Why was Jesus asking him the same question again? Could it be that He doubted Peter’s sincerity? Still, he answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus gaped at him, a hint of a smile playing on His lips. “Take care of my sheep.”
Another quiet moment passed between them, the gentle sounds of the early morning waves filling the space. Then, Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
A knot formed in Peter’s stomach. Was the persistent questioning a reflection of his three-time denial of Jesus on the night of the trial? The eyes of his friends fell on him. Perhaps they sensed the significance of this exchange? Taking a deep breath, Peter met Jesus’ gaze with anguish. “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus placed a hand on Peter’s shoulder, His touch both comforting and firm. “Feed my sheep,” He said one last time. “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
Peter’s heart swelled. Jesus was not questioning his love. The Lord was commissioning him for the work ahead—the task of shepherding Jesus’ flock and ultimately, facing the sacrifices that would come with it. Peter pressed his lips together. A resolve settled in. The morning light heralded a new day and a fresh beginning for him. Under the guidance of the risen Lord, he would give up his life so that the church could stand.
