Week 20: May 12 - May 18, 2003

Key Passage: John 21: 15-17

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."

"Do you love me…? Feed my sheep" Those were the piercing words of Jesus to a demoralized and disillusioned apostle. Peter knew that Jesus had risen, but could not stand the thought of his failure when he denied his Master three times. He returned to resume his fishing business, but toiled all night and caught nothing. Jesus appeared by the seashore and said, "Children,…Cast the net on the right side" (Jn 21:5-6). They did, and caught a multitude of fish. They then knew he was Jesus, and he fed them. Thereafter, he spoke to Peter, "…Do you love me more than these?". And Peter replied, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."

The three-fold interrogation was necessary to consume the three-fold denial, restore Peter’s commitment to his Master, and grant him a fresh mandate to lead his flock. And behind the voice of Jesus was his heart of love and forgiveness with which he called his servant back. That same voice is going out to every believer who is presently in a backslidden state, or who has failed the Master and is weary of continuing in the race.

That voice restored Peter’s relationship with Jesus and he did not deny him again. Peter had to suffer a lot for the name of Jesus. He was persecuted, chastised and imprisoned but he remained faithful and helped lead the Church in Jerusalem. The story was told by ancient historians that at his old age, Peter was in Rome preaching the Gospel. Emperor Nero during the great persecution determined to execute him, and believers prevailed on him to escape and save his life. As he was by the city gate, Jesus appeared to him, walking in the opposite direction. Peter fell on his knees asking, "Lord, where are you going." And Jesus replied, "To the city to be crucified again." Peter was moved into tears. He said, "I will not turn my back to my Master again." He returned to the city, was arrested and condemned. In his last statement, he said, "I’m not worthy to die as my Lord. I chose to be crucified upside down." His request was granted.

Child of God, what is your resolve? At a time like this when many are denying the Lord in the face of temptations, trials and persecution, will you let him be crucified a second time?

Cry to God. Ask Him for grace to be faithful to the end.

Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi