Number 9 in a devotional series using as a resource the book, Journey Into Joy, by Andrew Walker.
Scripture; John 21:15-19
What key questions and unusual observations did you note as you read the passage?
What does “More than these” mean?
A deeper question is, “Why did Jesus asked this question?”
Why did Jesus asked the question regarding feeding sheep three times?
What is the connection between loving Jesus and feeding sheep?
Is there any significance in the differing terms in the three requests by Jesus?
What are their implications for understanding the passage?
What does “More than these” mean?
3 possible referents – more than these men do; more than these men; more than these things –fishing, home life, life as a fisherman. I tend to favor #1 – this is a direct reference to Peter’s boastful words that whatever the others did, he would not fall away (see especially Matthew 26: 33, also John 13:37). However, one person in our study argued well that there is a contextual strand in favor of the referent being about these things, i.e. going fishing. Jesus had just fed the disciples when they had gone back to fishing. Now he is going to challenge Peter to feed others.
If “more than these” refers back to the upper room discussion, then a deeper question is, “Why did Jesus ask this question?”
The deeper reason behind this question is that Jesus is continuing to work to restore Peter after his denial of Christ. First it is important to note that Jesus takes a triple initiative to restore Peter. First, Jesus asks him ahead to return (Lu. 22:32). Second, he looked at Peter during the trial, a look that both reminded and brought conviction (Lu. 22:61). Third, he came to the Sea of Galilee and initiated this appearance partly for this reason. He now tenderly begins this conversation with Peter with this question. It is meant to continue the dialogue of the upper room where Jesus had warned the disciple against falling away and Peter had bragged about not doing it, but in the interim had failed miserably. Now Jesus wants to reopen that conversation as a way of healing and renewal for Peter. The purpose of the question is to make the connections clear.
Why did Jesus ask the question regarding feeding sheep three times?
3 questions are intentionally an equal number to Peter’s three denials. Peter is intentionally given the opportunity to affirm three times that he loves Jesus. Peter was a little saddened that he had to affirm it three times since he knows that Jesus knows his heart anyway. But Jesus is obviously doing it for Peter’s sake, not for his own. Peter is being graciously reaffirmed and restored. But Peter felt hurt by the third repetition of the question. Why? The reason is as William Barclay points out; this restoration was a preparation for the assigning of Peter’s lifelong work. One of our study members pointed out that perhaps the repetition of the question is also related to helping Peter see the connection Jesus is making between loving him and expressing that love by feeding the sheep. Sometimes repetition helps us to dig a little deeper concerning what is being said. This was not simply about giving Peter a warm fuzzy, it was about motivating him for a lifetime of following and serving. As Barclay says, Peter received two things: a task– to feed the sheep, and a cross — a warning that his following would be costly, it would be sacrificial, it would cost him his life. Peter had said that he would give his life. Now Jesus is saying that it would indeed be required in more than one way.
What is the connection between loving Jesus and feeding sheep?
True love is not simply a feeling; it is a demonstrated set of the will. It is demonstrated in action. Loving service that pleases the one we love. Peter had a second chance to demonstrate his love. We also demonstrate our love by obedience and service to Christ through his church and through serving others.
Is there any significance in the differing terms in the three requests by Jesus?
There is no agreement among commentators on this question. It is quite possible that Jesus is simply using synonyms to avoid saying it in exactly the same words. Others note particularly that Jesus changes his word for love from Greek agape to Greek phileo – the same word that Peter had been using — for the third question. They ask, “Is Jesus accommodating Peter’s understanding? In his third reply, Peter uses a slightly stronger word for “know.” Does this reflect growth in Peter?
What is the role/significance of this event/passage in the Gospel story?
The phrase in v . 22 that occurs after this pericope, “if I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me,” gives us unintentional information about John and the time of writing of this gospel. The sentence makes the best sense if the Gospel is being written many years later and John is quite elderly. As one study never commented, “It’s as if John is trying to squash a rumor by setting the record straight.”
William Barclay points out that one of the functions of this passage is to elevate Peter’s function among the disciples. Paul would become a famous missionary. John would live long and be given outstanding Revelations. But what was Peter’s responsibility and assignment? This incident in John’s Gospel makes it clear that Peter had a specific assignment from Christ from the beginning to be the shepherd of the sheep. It is partly this story that provides rationale for the great authority given to Peter as the leader of the church upon James’s death. We take for granted the lifting up of one disciple by the other that this passage represents.
What inspirational “take home” impressed me?
1. Think about Jesus invitation to Peter to return to his service, we are reminded about how often Jesus comes to us after our failures and restores us. First, Jesus still invites us ahead to return just like he did Peter (1 John 1:9). He knows we are weak and will fail. Second, his word penetrates us today just as the look of Jesus convicted Peter, His Holy Spirit convicts us, taking the initiative to help us back. Third, God still accepts a contrite heart.
Psalms 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Isaiah 66:2 “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.”
Jesus’ restoration of Peter is a wonderful gracious word to all of us too. We have failed our Lord, like Peter. If, when Jesus calls us back, we come back in Godly sorrow and affirm or faith with love and action, we too will be graciously affirmed.
2. One of the key take owns from this passage has to be the repeated words of Jesus, “Follow me!” Peter begins to compare himself with John and ask, “what about him?” It is so like us to compare the circumstances of our discipleship, the apparent measure of our gifts, the nature of our cross, would those around us who we perceive to have greater success, higher rewards, or an easier time. But Jesus is warning us that all this is beside the point; it is an unwise exercise (cf 2 Cor 10:12); it is not what God has called us to do. As one person who I heard teaching put it, “It is not our story.” Jesus said simply, “What is that to you? You must follow me!” That is a word for each one of us whenever we begin to compare ourselves with others.