Deeper Reflection
AFTER DENYING JESUS THREE TIMES AND WITNESSING His crucifixion and death, Peter must have felt like a total failure for not sticking up for Jesus. All his hopes of being rewarded with a place in Jesus’ new Kingdom on earth were dashed. He returned to his former occupation – fishing – to resume doing what he knew best. Discouragement must have seeped in even more when he even failed at fishing (“but that night they caught nothing”, v.3)!Then Jesus met Peter and restored him. After breakfast (which Jesus cooked for Peter and the disciples), Jesus asked him a soul-searching question three times: “Do you love Me?” When Peter answered, “Yes, Lord” and “You know I love You” (vv.15-17), Jesus commanded him to take care of His people by feeding and tending to them. Among other things, Peter was to teach people about Jesus and His Kingdom, and to disciple them to likewise be faithful to Jesus’ mission.Today Jesus asks us the same question: “Do you love Me?” Our sincere answer is very important to Him. If like Peter you say, “You know I love You, Lord”, then Jesus invites you to take care of His people. To love Jesus means to be committed to His mission in the world. The two matters cannot be separated. Do not let obstacles get in your way. Stop looking at your weakness or failures. Start looking to Christ and let His love for you compel you to work hard for the Gospel (2 Cor 5:14). We must go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to know, love and obey the Lord Jesus!