John 21:15-19
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 21:15-19 imagining the thoughts and feelings of Peter.
Despite his passion and fierce loyalty to Jesus, when the situation became confusing and dangerous Peter denied even knowing Jesus - and not just once in the heat of the moment. He firmly repeated his denial two more times before sunrise. But Peter is still here with the other disciples. His shame is not strong enough to drive him away from the one he believes is “…the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Peter needs Jesus now more than ever before.
Try to imagine the emotion that led Peter to jump out of the boat and swim to Jesus just prior to the conversation in today’s passage.
Have you ever experienced this kind of desperation for Jesus? Talk to Jesus about this for a moment.
Now imagine what Peter felt when Jesus turned to single him out after breakfast.
Have you ever done something that caused you to feel shame? How did Jesus meet you in that shame? Share anything you are thinking or feeling with Jesus.
Read John 21:15-19 again paying close attention to Jesus’ questions and instructions – as if he were speaking directly to you.
Jesus addresses Peter’s deepest needs in this conversation. He puts his finger right on Peter’s tendency to compare himself with others, and he explains clearly that following him means becoming a shepherd rather than a revolutionary. But perhaps the most important part of this interchange lies in Jesus’ repetition of the question:
“…do you love me?”
In an act of sweet redemption, Jesus allows Peter to affirm his love and loyalty three times - once for every denial. And Jesus repeats Peter’s calling and commission the same number of times. Peter is restored inside and out.
Stop to think about the ways Jesus has redeemed your past failures. Have you fully accepted Jesus’ restoration and mercy? Take a moment to sit quietly with this question and then listen.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you right now?
Imagine Jesus speaking the final words of this conversation directly to you:
“Follow me.”
What do you believe Jesus is calling you to do in response to this time of meditation?
What will you do about that?
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