Jesus Examines Peter
“Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’” ~John 21:17
The English translation of the verse above leaves one with a single possible conclusion – that Jesus asked Peter three times because Peter denied Jesus three times. But why then is the question quoted the third time, as if there might be something different about Jesus’ third question. Could there be another reason that Peter was so grieved by Jesus’ third question? Yes, there is in fact more going on in this discourse than is apparent in an English translation. Peter was in fact hurt because there was a bit of a sting through the subtle nuance in Jesus’ third question.
The first two times Jesus uses the Greek word ‘agape,’ a word familiar in modern Christianity as a selfless form of love – an ‘I’ll love you without reciprocation’ love – Godly love. Of course, Peter dared not use the word ‘agape’ in his replies to Jesus because just a few days earlier he had insisted, before all the disciples, that if they deserted Jesus, he would not. Peter therefore replies, “Lord you know all things. You know that I love you, using the word “philo” – a brotherly love – an ‘I love you because you love me’ love.
But the third time Jesus changes His question ever so slightly asking Peter using “philo,” which lowers the question to Peter’s terms. Jesus was forcing Peter to understand why he had abandoned Jesus. Peter’s original assurance that he would be at Jesus’ side regardless of the cost was based upon his own strength and determination. It is only when we are fully broken that we can and will rely solely on God for everything. Through total faith in and reliance upon God we can become good and reliable servants. The old Peter was being crushed so a new Peter could rise out of the rubble. At the end of his life, Peter is crucified as well, but refuses to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. He insists upon being crucified upside down. Jesus’ examination of Peter was life changing and it is easy to see a very different Peter throughout the book of The Acts.
A similar crushing ‘rock bottom’ moment often comes in our own lives that makes it easier to fear, love and trust in God alone above everything and everyone else. We thereby realize that leaning upon our own strength, understanding and resolution is the proverbial ‘house built upon the sand.’
Lord God, help us to have complete faith in you alone for everything. Teach us to love you and others the way Jesus did. Give us the courage to live and share abundant life through Jesus Christ with everyone at every opportunity you present us with. And above all help us to understand that our weaknesses are your opportunity to be strong through us. May we glorify You – Our Father, Your Son Jesus and The Holy Spirit in all that we do. Amen