In chapter 21 verse 17 of the gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John, we can see Jesus’ important question to Peter: Do you love me? It is good to remember that this happened after Peter’s denial, Jesus’ resurrection and His appearance before His disciples.
That is why in this chapter we can point out that the Master wanted to restore Peter for what he had gone through. This moment was very difficult for Peter, after the time that had passed since he denied the Master. In this chapter we notice how Jesus asks Peter several times if he loved him. The Bible says the following in John 21:17:
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
Jesus wanted to show Peter if He had repented, just as the Master had told him to do. He also wanted to listen to Peter, since the Master had a mission to entrust to the apostle Peter. That is why He asked him for the third time: “Do you love me, Peter?” And Peter was saddened, but he could also understand the calling he had. Then he answered: “Yes, Lord, I love You.” And Jesus said to him: “Feed my sheep.”
In these questions that Jesus asked Peter, the Master wanted to see if Peter had a genuine love for his neighbor, and according to that, he would follow the Lord’s command with love.
This teaches us that we must listen to the Master’s voice and love Him with all our heart, because if we love our Lord, then we will love our neighbor and be able to guide the Lord’s sheep on the right path. God bless you!
When we carefully analyze this passage, we realize that Jesus was not trying to humiliate Peter or remind him of his failure in a cruel way. On the contrary, the Lord was restoring him publicly, just as Peter had denied Him publicly. Each question was an opportunity for Peter to reaffirm his love and to heal the wounds left by fear and weakness. The grace of Christ is revealed in this moment, showing us that failure is not the end for those who sincerely repent.
It is important to remember that Peter’s denial was not only an act of fear, but also a moment of deep spiritual conflict. He had promised to follow Jesus even unto death, yet when the trial came, he faltered. Many believers today can identify with Peter, as we often declare our faith with words, but struggle to live it out in moments of pressure. However, Jesus did not discard Peter; instead, He called him back to his purpose.
The command “Feed my sheep” carries a great responsibility. Jesus was entrusting Peter with the care of His people, showing that true love for Christ is demonstrated through service to others. Loving Jesus is not merely an emotional expression, but a commitment to shepherd, guide, teach, and protect those who belong to Him. This calling applies not only to Peter, but to all who claim to love the Lord.
This passage also reminds us that love for Christ must be sincere and active. Jesus did not ask Peter about his knowledge, strength, or past achievements. He asked about love. This teaches us that the foundation of our walk with God is love—love that leads to obedience, humility, and faithfulness. Without love, service becomes empty and ministry loses its true purpose.
Furthermore, the restoration of Peter reveals the patience and mercy of Jesus. The Lord knows our hearts completely, just as Peter acknowledged when he said that the Lord knows all things. There is nothing hidden from God, yet He chooses to restore rather than condemn. This truth should encourage every believer who feels unworthy or discouraged by past mistakes.
In our daily lives, we are also asked the same question: Do you love me? Our answer is reflected not only in words, but in how we live, how we treat others, and how faithfully we follow Christ’s teachings. Loving Jesus means walking in obedience, forgiving others, serving with humility, and remaining faithful even in difficult times.
May this passage inspire us to renew our love for Christ and to accept the responsibility He places in our hands. Just as Peter was restored and used powerfully by God, we too can be renewed and strengthened to fulfill His will. Let us love the Lord sincerely and demonstrate that love by caring for His people and walking faithfully in His truth.