In the quiet aftermath of a miraculous catch of fish and a shared breakfast by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus turns to Simon Peter with a piercing question that echoes through the ages. This moment of restoration, captured in John 21:15-19, challenges every believer to confront the depth of their devotion to Christ. Pastor Leveille draws from this intimate exchange to remind us that true service flows from genuine love, not mere duty or novelty.
Love Examined (vs. 15)
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs (John 21:15, KJV).
Jesus poses this question against the backdrop of Peter’s three denials, yet His intent is restoration, not humiliation. The Lord probes Peter’s heart, asking if he loves Him with agape love, a sacrificial devotion patterned after God’s own. Peter, humbled by his failure, responds with phileo, a brotherly affection, admitting, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” This honesty marks the beginning of growth. Jesus examines love in its raw form, distinguishing sacrificial commitment from mere fondness or family loyalty. He references the four Greek words for love: agape for self-devoting sacrifice, phileo for warm friendship, storge for natural family bonds, and eros for romantic attachment. Peter’s shift from bold promises in Matthew 26:33 to honest weakness here reveals that pride must crumble before true restoration. The question “more than these” could point to the fish, Peter’s career; the other disciples’ devotion; or Peter’s love for them. Whichever the sense, it demands we prioritise Christ above all. Effectiveness in Christian life hinges on this: do we love Jesus sacrificially, or do we settle for sentiment?
Love Expressed (vs. 15-17)
Jesus links Peter’s affirmation of love directly to action. Three times He commissions him: “Feed my lambs,” then “Feed my sheep,” and again “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17, KJV). Each response from Peter, though weakened to phileo, elicits a call to service. Jesus meets Peter where he is, accepting his honest affection and channeling it into labour for the kingdom. This expresses love through shepherding, discipling, and winning souls. True service stems from devotion, not obligation; without love, ministry breeds bitterness. Forgiven people feed others graciously, as grace received compels grace given. The Great Commission becomes love on the move. Missionaries who falter often do so when love cools, just as pastors quit when people wound them. Yet, if we love Christ, we endure, for “if ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). Love expressed turns inward grace outward, sustaining joy amid trials.
Love Expanded (vs. 17)
He saith to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep (John 21:17, KJV).
On the third ask, Jesus stoops to Peter’s word, phileo, grieving him yet drawing him closer. This expansion of love begins with honest weakness but grows through patience. Jesus foretells Peter’s martyrdom: “When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not” (John 21:18, KJV). From brotherly kindness, Peter adds charity, agape, as in 2 Peter 1:7. The Lord matures love from emotion to endurance, meeting us in failure and lifting us higher. He concludes with “Follow me,” echoing the initial call, proving love precedes labour and produces obedience.
Peter’s restoration teaches that even weak love, honestly offered, invites divine growth. Jesus patiently transforms affection into devotion that glorifies God through a lifetime, even unto death. Answer His question today with truth, and watch love expand to sustain every step of obedience.
