John 21:17
He said vnto him the third time, Simon sonne of Ionas, louest thou mee? Peter was grieued, because hee saide vnto him the third time, Louest thou me? And he said vnto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I loue thee. Iesus sayth vnto him, Feed my sheepe. John 21:17 (KJV)
He saith unto him the third time,
Simon,
son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,
Feed my sheep. John 21:17 (KJV)
John 21 records an encounter between Jesus and His disciples after His resurrection, taking place by the Sea of Galilee. In this passage Jesus engages Simon Peter in a personal dialogue that follows Peter’s earlier denial of Christ.
Jesus asks Peter the same question three times, “Lovest thou me?” Each repetition gives Peter the opportunity to affirm his love, and the repeated questioning underscores the importance of Peter’s response and the depth of his commitment.
The Greek text reveals that Jesus uses two different words for love. The first two questions employ “agapao,” indicating a self‑sacrificial, unconditional love, while Peter answers with “phileo,” a term denoting deep, affectionate friendship. This distinction may reflect Peter’s sense of unworthiness after his denial.
Peter had denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion (Matt. 26:69‑75). By asking the question three times, Jesus provides a moment of restoration, allowing Peter to reaffirm his devotion and receive forgiveness, moving beyond his past failure.
After each affirmation, Jesus gives Peter a specific directive. First He says, “Feed my lambs,” then “Feed my sheep” twice. These commands point to Peter’s future role as shepherd of the early church, entrusting him with the care, guidance, and nourishment of Christ’s followers.
Application: The passage challenges believers to examine the sincerity of their love for Christ, urging an unconditional, wholehearted devotion. Peter’s restoration reminds us that God’s grace can heal past failures and grant renewed purpose. Finally, like Peter, each Christian is called to serve and tend to the “sheep” within their sphere, guiding and nurturing others in the love of Christ.
