Those who are familiar with the account of our Lord’s passion are mindful that Peter denied the Lord three times the night our Lord was betrayed. Christ had foretold Peter that he would indeed “be offended because of me” though Peter denied it (Matthew 26:33-35). When it came to pass, Peter “wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).
Later, when Jesus had arisen from the dead, he appeared to his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. They had returned to fishing and were out all night, yet had caught nothing. Christ changed their empty effort to full success with his word. As they brought their catch to the shore, the Lord greeted them with a meal of fish and bread over a fire of coals. There he lovingly confronted Peter in the matter of his previous denial before the servants of the High Priest.
On the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter had declared boldly “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended” (Matthew 26:33). That night he denied knowing the Lord three times. He had declared a love and loyalty to Christ that would exceed that of all others. Our Lord on the seashore now lovingly restores Peter at the very point of his failure. He asks Peter “Lovest thou me more than these [the other disciples]?” (John 21:16). Though Peter affirms his love to him, Christ repeats the question three times to fully address his three denials.
In Christ’s second and third questions, he merely asks “Lovest thou me?” To each of Peter’s affirmations, the Lord responds “Feed my sheep” or “Feed my lambs”. The true test of love for Christ is faithful service to him. Though Peter had denied his Lord three times, the Lord lovingly restored him to a place of service and did so before his brethren. Our God is faithful to forgive and to restore.
It is interesting to note that Peter had denied the Lord out of fear for his own life, possibly crucifixion, since this was the desire of the High Priests for our Lord. The Lord on the seashore after restoring Peter tells him that he shall indeed die from crucifixion (John 21:18-19). History teaches us that Peter did suffer martyrdom by crucifixion. However, he was crucified upside down at his request for he was not worthy to suffer it in the manner of his Lord.
Love for Christ compels us to serve him. True disciples of Christ will falter often for we are but sinful creatures saved by grace. Yet our Lord’s faithfulness to forgive invites us to seek his cleansing. His love is unfailing and rejoicing in his love we are constrained to serve him more. Paul wrote of this love to the church at Corinth. “The love of Christ constraineth us…that they which live should not live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). What Jesus asked of Peter he asks of you and I. “Lovest thou me?”
From the Chaplain 