John 21:15-19

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Lord, I Need You
• Run to the Father

Resources for Family Worship (with Children)

• Jesus Forgives Peter By Saddleback Kids – Lesson for Kids
• One Way – Hillsong Kids – Song for Kids
• Jesus Loves Me – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After the meal, Jesus calls Peter aside. As they walk along the shore, Jesus asks him, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” (v.15). The word translated “these” (Greek toutōn) can be understood either in the masculine or neuter form. Jesus is asking whether Peter’s love for him is greater than his love for any person or anything else.

The word “love” used here (“agapas me”) refers to agape love—unconditional, steadfast, and unchanging love, like the love Jesus demonstrated on the cross.

Peter responds, “Lord, yes; you know that I love you.” However, Peter uses a different Greek word, “philo se,” referring to phileo love—human, emotional love that is fragile and easily broken. In effect, Peter is saying, “Lord, you know that I cannot love you with perfect agape love. My love is limited and human.” Jesus then tells him, “Feed my lambs.”

After a moment of silence, Jesus asks the same question a second time. Peter gives the same answer. Again, Jesus responds, “Take care of my sheep” (v. 16). Previously, he used the word “lambs” (arnia), but here he uses “sheep” (probata), referring to mature sheep. The command also changes from “feed” (boske) to “take care of” (poimaine), meaning to shepherd or tend.

After a while, Jesus asks Peter a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (v.17). This time, Jesus uses the word “phileis me”—asking whether Peter loves him with phileo love. Peter becomes distressed and replies, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” In this moment, Peter acknowledges the limitation of his love before the Lord. Jesus then says, “Feed my sheep.”

Then Jesus foretells Peter’s future (v. 18). This is a prophecy that Peter will suffer and eventually be martyred (v. 19). He will no longer live according to his own will, but according to the Lord’s will—even unto death. After saying this, Jesus calls him again: “Follow me.”

Meditation:

The memory of denying Jesus in the courtyard of the high priest must have been an unhealed wound for Peter. To save his own life, he had denied any connection with Jesus. That moment likely stayed with him, bringing deep pain. He may even have avoided fire, because each time he saw it, the memory would return.

On the day he met Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, seeing the charcoal fire Jesus had prepared must have made his heart sink. As Jesus broke bread and gave them fish, the memory of that night became even more vivid. He must have remembered his bold claim: “I will lay down my life for you” (13:37). It would have been difficult for him even to eat what Jesus provided.

Jesus saw Peter’s heart and emotions. In fact, he may have intentionally arranged this moment for Peter’s restoration. After the meal, Jesus calls him aside. Peter likely felt afraid, wondering what Jesus would say. Soon, Jesus asks whether Peter loves him as he has loved him. Peter had already failed in that love. He confesses that he is not capable of such love—that his love is only human and fragile. Jesus asks again, and Peter answers the same way.

Then Jesus asks a third time—this time meeting Peter at the level of his human love. When Peter affirms that he does love him, even in his weakness, Jesus entrusts him with the care of his sheep. Through this conversation, Peter must have realized that Jesus had forgiven him and was restoring him. Jesus gently leads Peter to confess three times, reversing the three denials:

“I do not know him” becomes “Lord, I love you.”

In this, we see Jesus’ careful and compassionate restoration of Peter’s wounded heart. Jesus does not demand perfect love, but receives even fragile human love—and considers it enough to entrust his flock. When Jesus says, “Follow me,” it is deeply moving. Peter likely believed that he had failed as a disciple and lost his calling. Knowing his heart, Jesus calls him again with the same words he used at the beginning. Through this renewed calling, Peter can start again—and ultimately finish the race of discipleship.

Key Verse (v.17):

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Prayer:

Lord, you called Peter out of his despair when he saw himself as a failure. Through your conversation, you healed his wounds and restored his lost sense of calling. As we reflect on your heart, our own hearts are warmed. Help us also to love you more than anything and anyone in this world, and to follow you faithfully. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when we fail Jesus, he does not reject us. Instead, he lovingly restores us, accepts our imperfect love, and calls us again to follow him and care for others.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • Have you ever made a mistake and felt sad? What did it feel like?
  • Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” How can you show Jesus that you love him?
  • Jesus forgave Peter and gave him another chance. Who is someone you can forgive this week?
• Youth:
  • Peter failed Jesus, but Jesus restored him. Why do you think Jesus gave Peter another chance instead of replacing him?
  • What is the difference between saying “I love Jesus” and actually following him in daily life?
  • Where in your life do you feel like you’ve failed—and how might Jesus be inviting you to “follow him again” in that area?