Lent Day Forty
“On Awkward Expressions of Love”
John 21:15-19 The Passion Translation
After they had breakfast, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you burn with love for me more than these?”
Peter answered, “Yes, Lord! You know that I have great affection for you!” “Then take care of my lambs,” Jesus said. Jesus repeated his question the second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you burn with love for me?”
Peter answered, “Yes, my Lord! You know that I have great affection for you!” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. Then Jesus asked him again, “Peter, son of Jonah, do you have great affection for me?”
Peter was saddened by being asked the third time and said, “My Lord, you know everything. You know that I burn with love for you!” Jesus replied, “Then feed my lambs!
Peter, listen, when you were younger you made your own choices and you went where you pleased. But one day when you are old, others will tie you up and escort you where you would not choose to go – and you will spread out your arms.” (Jesus said this to Peter as a prophecy of what kind of death he would die, for the glory of God.)
And then he said, “Peter, follow me!”
Some questions are uncomfortably penetrating. Ignoring etiquette, they dive deeply in.
Take Jesus’ question to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you burn with love for me more than these?” Whatever the answer, it’s an awkward question, especially with its comparative probe - do you love me more than these?
Peter has every reason to reply cautiously. He had been this route before, declaring himself the champion when it came to loyalty and commitment to Jesus. But then he denied knowing who Jesus was to an over inquisitive servant girl, not once, but three times. Hearing the cock crow had been harrowing. He hadn’t thought his fear would smother his love so quickly, but it had. And now he is back in this territory again.
It’s awkward, especially as Jesus won’t let it pass. He accepts Peter's expression of affection with an instruction to take care of the flock but then repeats the question. Do you love me… so easy to say, but do you really, in a way that will stand up on a difficult Thursday? Peter affirms that he does and is instructed to take care of Jesus’ sheep.
Though Peter doesn’t see it, the repeated instruction is heartening. Sure, he had failed the love and loyalty test, but he wasn’t being decommissioned. There was still work for him to do. That must have been a relief - a welcome second chance.
The question comes a third time. It’s not a surprise. For each denial there is an opportunity for a fresh affirmation of love. Denial 1, dealt with. Denial 2, dealt with. Denial 3, dealt with. The slate is clean. Time to let past failure go, and to move on. It’s been embarrassing, but it is done, and let’s face it, given how dramatic the betrayal was, it has been done with kindness.
Except that there is more…The conversation isn’t over.
Jesus then predicts Peter’s death. The language is coded, but its meaning is clear. Peter, when you are old, you will be crucified. What? That’s terrifying. Surely not! Jesus offers no soft reassurance, just a solid invitation, “Peter, follow me!” And he offers it to the man who recently failed him so dramatically. That’s more than forgiveness. It’s saying to Peter, and to us; “You might have written yourself off, but I haven’t. You can still face the greatest challenges, just follow me…”
Brian Harris
Dr Brian Harris is a sought out speaker, teacher, leader, coach and writer. A widely respected theologian, after 17 years as principal of Perth’s Vose Seminary, in 2021 he became the founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, an initiative of the Carey Group committed to fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.