Jesus and Peter

Jesus after his resurrection, met with his disciples in the region of Galilee. It was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus prepared breakfast for them on a charcoal fire. After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times, in the presence of the other disciples, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’

Peter reaffirms his love for Jesus as personal restitution for the three times he denied him.  In his first two questions, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him with ‘willing love’ (Gk Agapao), but in the third question he asks if Peter loves him with merely ‘friendly affection’ (Gk Phileo), which is the word Peter uses in all three of his responses. Peter is challenged to live up to his own words, since earlier he declared that even if the other disciples should fall away from Jesus, his commitment would never falter.  Jesus entrusts to Peter the task of shepherding his entire flock. Jesus predicted that Peter would die by crucifixion for God’s glory. Lastly Jesus tells Peter to follow him. Three years ago it was on this same shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus invited Peter to follow him.

Peter was martyred by crucifixion around 67 AD in Rome and was crucified upside-down after he protested that he was not worthy to die the same death as Jesus.

Jesus the greatest thing in my life is to love you to the very end. Fill me with your Holy Spirit this Pentecost to follow you & serve you more. Amen