John 21:15-19

A third time, the gospel of John relates, Jesus said to Peter, "Do you love me?" Peter was hurt that he asked him a third time, "Do you love me?" and said, "Lord, you know everything; you know I love you."

This account of a resurrection appearance beside the Sea of Tiberias (also known as the Sea of Galilee) is only in the gospel of John. Peter and other disciples are fishing when they see Jesus on the shore. After they join Jesus for a breakfast of fish and bread, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. When Peter says he does, Jesus replies, "Feed my lambs." Jesus asks a second time, and receives the same answer. Then he asks a third time.

Why is this request repeated three times? Is this merely for emphasis? Or does repetition suggest that Peter fails to grasp the implications of his answer and so needs to hear the question again and again?

The passage ends with Jesus saying to Peter that in his old age he will be bound and taken where he does not want to go. The narrator adds that by this Jesus meant to describe Peter's death. Perhaps Jesus is thinking all along that Peter's responsibility for the church will lead to his death. Or, this may merely be the conclusion of the narrator of the story. Whatever Jesus or the author of the gospel intended, we are left with the impression that doing what Jesus has asked will prove difficult and even dangerous for Peter. Might that be true for us as well?

Grace and peace...Bob