Sunday, April 11, 2021
John 21:15-25
“Love cares”
Service Orientation: Love cares, love restores, love pursues what’s good for others.
Memory Verse for the Week: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Background Information:
- vv.15-17 The chief reason for the narration of this episode seems to be to let Peter know that the Lord still loved him and had not cast him out (cf. 15:6). The three questions Jesus addressed to Peter stand in contrast to Peter’s three denials. The disciples were no doubt aware of Peter’s denial of Jesus, and the commission that Jesus renewed with him in their presence would reassure them of Peter’s place among them. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 201)
- Many commentaries point out that, in this conversation, two different words are used for “love.” In His questions in John 21:15–16, our Lord used agape, which is the Greek word for the highest kind of love, sacrificing love, divine love. Peter always used phileo, which is the love of friend for friend, fondness for another. In John 21:17, Jesus and Peter both used phileo. However, it is doubtful that we should make too much of an issue over this, because the two words are often used interchangeably in the gospel of John. In John 3:16, God’s love for man is agape love, but in John 16:27, it is phileo love. The Father’s love for His Son is agape love in John 3:35 but phileo love in John 5:20. Christians are supposed to love one another. In John 13:34, this love is agape love, but in John 15:19, it is phileo love. It would appear that John used these two words as synonyms, whatever fine distinctions there might have been between them. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 318)
- This scene between Jesus and Peter is one of the most spectacular interchanges in the whole Bible, perhaps in all literature. The most remarkable thing about it is that, by way of forgiveness, Jesus gives Peter a job to do. When Peter professes his love, Jesus doesn’t say, ‘Well, that’s all right, then.’ He says, ‘Well, then: feed my lambs. Look after my sheep. Feed my sheep,’ The three questions correspond to Peter’s three denials. Three for completeness, yes, but three also for reminder. The smell of the charcoal fire lingers. Peter’s night of agony — and Jesus’ own night of agony — returns. But because of the latter, the former can be dealt with. Jesus is the Passover lamb who takes away the sin of the world, Peter’s sin included, your sin, my sin. (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 163)
- Jesus Forms Peter as a Leader and as a Disciple (21:15-23) Jesus’ inviting his disciples to share a meal signals his love and fellowship with them. But he has unfinished business with Peter, the one who denied him in a special way. After breakfast Jesus speaks to Peter. Throughout this story Peter has been referred to as Simon Peter (vv. 2-3, 7b, 11) or simply as Peter (v. 7a), the name Jesus had given him (1:42; cf. Mk 3:16 par. Lk 6:14). But now Jesus calls him by his former name, Simon son of John (v. 15), “as if he were no longer (or not yet!) a disciple” (Michaels 1989:359). (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 494)
The question to be answered is…
How does Jesus’ dealings with Peter reflect genuine love in this final account from John’s gospel?
Answer…
Jesus’ approach in dealing with Peter demonstrates just how genuine love should be; caring and direct, yet ultimately redemptive and restorative.
The word of the day is… Love
What should we stop to admire about the love of Jesus from his dealings with Peter?
- How Jesus cares; taking care of physical needs before dealing with the needs of the heart. (vv.10-15)
(Prov. 14:31; Mat. 5:42; 9:36; 14:14, 20; 15, 25:35; Mark 6:34; Luke 3:11; 1 John 3:17-18)
How loving of Jesus to feed Peter before He dealt with his spiritual needs. He gave Peter opportunity to dry off, get warm, satisfy his hunger, and enjoy personal fellowship. This is a good example for us to follow as we care for God’s people. Certainly the spiritual is more important than the physical, but caring for the physical can prepare the way for spiritual ministry. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 317)
- Where Jesus goes; to the place of deep pain in order to transform the heart. (vv.15-17)
(Psalm 103:2-4; Isaiah 53:5; Hosea 6; 1 Peter 2:24)
Here, in His third question the Lord now challenges even his affection! Most searching was this! But it had the desired effect. The Lord wounds only that He may heal. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 958)
We need not doubt that our Lord, like a skillful physician, stirred up this grief intentionally. He intended to pierce the Apostle’s conscience, and to teach him a solemn lesson. If it was grievous to the disciple to be questioned, how much more grievous must it have been to the Master to be denied! (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 208)
- Why Jesus goes there; in order to lovingly restore and ready Peter for the mission ahead. (v.22)
(Psalm 23:3; 78:38; Proverbs 28:13; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 1:9)
Since Peter had denied the Lord publicly, it was important that there be a public restoration. Sin should be dealt with only to the extent that it is known. Private sins should be confessed in private, public sins in public. Since Peter had denied his Lord three times, Jesus asked him three personal questions. He also encouraged him by giving a threefold commission that restored Peter to his ministry. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 318)
Conclusion… How can we more fully follow Jesus in light of this account?
A. Serve like Jesus; seeking to care for others practically AND spiritually.
(Prov. 19:17; 22:9; Isaiah 58:10; Rom. 12:20; Col. 3:12; James 1:27; 2:16; Hebrews 13:16)
Our Lord does not so emphasize “the soul” that He neglects the body. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 317)
Zeal for the truth must be balanced by love for people. Truth without love has no decency; it’s just brutality. On the other hand, love without truth has no character; it’s just hypocrisy. (John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men, 106)
B. Love like Jesus; being willing to go to places of pain in order to reflect the love of Jesus.
(Luke 7:13; Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:15)
There is no life where there is no love. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 207)
Our God is not a god who shies away from suffering. Throughout Scripture, God enters into people’s suffering and embodies that suffering—even to the point of dying on a cross. We are called by Jesus to embrace suffering and pain. (Stephen Ingram, Hollow Faith, 41)
[Jesus] graciously encouraged them, lovingly corrected them, and patiently instructed them. That is how the best learning always occurs. It isn’t just information passed on; its one life invested in another. (John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men, 25)
C. Be like Jesus; seeking to restore whosoever may come.
(Psalm 103:2-4; John 10:10; Gal. 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13; 2 Peter 3:9)
There is no evil that the father’s love cannot pardon and cover, there is no sin that is a match for his grace. (Timothy Keller, The Prodigal God, 28)
Something wonderful and miraculous and life-changing takes place within the human soul when Jesus Christ is invited in to take His rightful place. That is exactly what God anticipated when He wrought the plan of salvation. He intended to make worshipers out of rebels; He intended to restore to men and women the place of worship which our first parents knew when they were created. (A. W. Tozer, Whatever Happened to Worship, 24)
D. Look to Jesus; not to others.
(Matthew 7:1-2; 2 Romans 12:3; Cor. 13:5; Gal. 1:10; 2:20; 6:4; Phil. 2:3; 2 Tim. 2:15)
So many freedom-destroying things we do are connected to an irresponsible decision to allow others to be to us what only God is supposed to be. (Steve Brown, A Scandalous Freedom, 128)
If you rest on the finished work of Jesus you have already the best evidence of your salvation in the world; you have God’s word for it; what more is needed? (C.H. Spurgeon, “The Raven’s Cry” sermon, 1866)
Gospel Application…
The good news of Jesus is that in his great love he seeks to save and restore whoever would come to him, regardless of their past.
(Isaiah 43:25; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 8:12)
What, after all, is the great secret of loving Christ? It is an inward sense of having received from Him pardon and forgiveness of sins. Those love much who feel much forgiven. He who has come to Christ with his sins, and tasted the blessedness of free and full absolution, he is the man whose heart will be full of love towards his Savior. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 208)
In the first part of this chapter Jesus began with a question that revealed the disciples’ poverty (v. 5), and then he gave a series of commands (vv. 6, 10, 12). So also now he questions Peter and then gives a command, and he does so three times. His question is extremely searching, indeed, it is the ultimate question in life: do you truly love me more than these? (v. 15). What does these refer to? If it is the net and boat, then this question gets at the central point of discipleship and reveals a person’s heart. What do we love the most? Have we abandoned all to follow Jesus? Every time we are faced with a temptation this question is raised. Every time we become preoccupied with even the good things God gives us this question is raised. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 494)
Three years earlier, along the same lake, Jesus had said the same words to Peter—”Follow me.” All the learning and the miles, all the miracles and the stories, all the impulsiveness and failures did not change the basic challenge Jesus gave to Peter and to us—Follow me. Following Jesus is not a step. Rather it is a lifelong walk of faith. Jesus’ constant invitation reminds us not to think as often about where we are or where we are going but rather to think constantly about how well we are following him. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 406)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Is there someone in your life that needs to be redeemed and/or restored? Who? How?
- What “places of pain” might need attended to in order to lovingly help redeem or restore that someone?
- Do you love Jesus? How can you tell?
- What are some practical ways you can care for people both physically AND spiritually?
- What is one step you can commit to taking in order to apply today’s message to your life this week?
Quotes to note…
Many Christians become discouraged and disheartened when their spiritual life and witness suffer because of sin or failure. We tend to think we’re worthless nobodies—and left to ourselves, that would be true! But worthless nobodies are just the kind of people God uses, because that is all He has to work with. (John MacArthur, Twelve Ordinary Men, 11)
Peter needed to confront realistically his shortcomings before he could guide the flock. This strong, powerful person had to be broken before he could deal compassionately with others. Do you aspire to lead others? It takes more than talent to gather followers. To have Jesus’ style of leadership takes a spirit broken from pride, linked to God, and tender toward others. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 405)
While it is true that the Holy Spirit equips people to serve as shepherds, and gives these people to churches (Eph. 4: 11ff.), it is also true that each individual Christian must help to care for the flock. Each of us has a gift or gifts from the Lord, and we should use what He has given us to help protect and perfect the flock. Sheep are prone to wander, and we must look after each other and encourage each other. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 318)
Let us take heed that there is some feeling in our religion. Knowledge, orthodoxy, correct views, regular use of forms, a respectable moral life–all these do not make up a true Christian. There must be some personal feeling towards Christ. Feeling alone, no doubt, is a poor useless thing, and may be here today and gone tomorrow. But the entire absence of feeling is a very bad symptom, and speaks ill for the state of a man’s soul. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 207)
So apt are we to be busy in other men’s matters, but negligent in the concerns of our own souls—quick-sighted abroad, but dim-sighted at home—judging others and prognosticating what they will do, when we have enough to mind our own business. Peter seems more concerned about events than duties (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 963)
Though few can match the depth and drama of Peter’s failure, it was Peter whom Jesus set in charge of the precious sheep! Through this commission Peter became the symbol not of a permissive grace which merely overlooks human sin, but of transforming grace which meets sin head-on, making saints out of sinners, proclaimers out of deniers. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 249)
Here is the secret of all Christian ministry, yours and mine, lay and ordained, full-time or part-time. It’s the secret of everything from being a quiet, back-row member of a prayer group to being a platform speaker at huge rallies and conferences. If you are going to do any single solitary thing as a follower and servant of Jesus, this is what it’s built on. Somewhere, deep down inside, there is a love for Jesus, and though (goodness knows) you’ve let him down enough times, he wants to find that love, to give you a chance to express it, to heal the hurts and failures of the past, and give you new work to do. (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 165)
The servant of Christ will have a wide, broad heart, like his Master, and will desire the present and eternal happiness of all around him. He will long and labor to lessen the sorrows, and to increase the joys, of every one within his reach, and, as he has opportunity, to do good to all men. But, in all his doing, the servant of Christ must never forget his own soul. Charity, and true religion, must both begin at home. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 210)
The words translated “love” have also raised considerable debate. Two different terms are used: agapao is used in Jesus’ first two questions and phileo is used in Jesus’ third question and in Peter’s three replies. Agapao is the same word “love” that appears in John 3:16. It is used of divine love and usually carries the connotation of will or purpose as well as that of affection. Phileo implies affinity, friendship, and fondness. Both words represent a high aspect of love. Since they are used of both God (3:16; 5:20) and men (14:21; 16:27) in this Gospel, they seem to be interchangeable with no great difference in meaning. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 201)
NIV brings out the nuance between agapao and phileo by translating agapao “truly love” and phileo “love.” (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 202)
Peter’s affirmative answer to each question is substantially the same. The verb “know” (oida) implies the intellectual knowledge of a fact. In his third reply, however, Peter strengthened his statement by using ginosko for “know.” This word denotes knowledge gained through experience. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 202)
22-23 Jesus’ reply indicated that even if he intended that “the disciple whom Jesus loved” should outlive Peter, Peter’s main concern should not be a comparison of his lot with that of his friend; rather, Peter’s concern was to be the fulfillment of Jesus’ purpose. The use of the second person pronoun in Jesus’ command makes the statement emphatic: “You must follow me” (italics mine). Jesus was urging Peter to take his attention off his colleague and focus it on Jesus himself. (Frank E. Gæbelein, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9, 202)
The key issue is Peter’s love for the Lord Jesus, and that should be a key matter with us today. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 318)
The most important thing the pastor can do is to love Jesus Christ. If he truly loves Jesus Christ, the pastor will also love His sheep and tenderly care for them. The Greek word for “sheep” at the end of John 21:17 means “dear sheep.” Our Lord’s sheep are dear to Him and He wants His ministers to love them and care for them personally and lovingly. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 318)
Anyone who yields himself to serve the Lord must honestly confront this matter of death. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
Peter’s death would not be a tragedy; it would glorify God! The death of Lazarus glorified God (John 11:4, 40) and so did the death of Jesus (John 12:23ff.). Paul’s great concern was that he glorify God, whether by life or by death (Phil. 1:20–21). This should be our desire as well. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
Our Lord’s words, “Follow me!” must have brought new joy and love to Peter’s heart. Literally, Jesus said, “Keep on following Me.” Immediately, Peter began to follow Jesus, just as he had done before his great denial. However, for a moment Peter took his eyes off the Lord Jesus, a mistake he had made at least two other times. After that first great catch of fish, Peter took his eyes off his Lord and looked at himself. “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8). When he was walking on the stormy sea with Jesus, Peter looked away from the Lord and began to look at the wind and waves, and immediately he began to sink (Matt. 14:30). It is dangerous to look at the circumstances instead of looking to the Lord. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
Beware when you get your eyes off the Lord and start to look at other Christians! “Looking unto Jesus” should be the aim and practice of every believer (Heb. 12:1–2). To be distracted by ourselves, our circumstances, or by other Christians is to disobey the Lord and possibly get detoured out of the will of God. Keep your eyes of faith on Him and on Him alone. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
We must not permit our curiosity about others to distract us from following the Lord. God has His plan for us; He also has plans for our Christian friends and associates. How He works in their lives is His business. Our business is to follow Him as He leads us (see Rom. 14:1–13). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
There is a somewhat enigmatic quality to what the Lord said about John. Jesus did not say that John would live until He returned, nor did He say that John would die before He returned. As it was, John lived the longest of all the disciples and did witness the Lord’s return when he saw the visions that he recorded in the book of Revelation. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
Jesus Christ is transforming lives today. Wherever He finds a believer who is willing to yield to His will, listen to His Word, and follow His way, He begins to transform that believer and accomplish remarkable things in that life. He also begins to do wonderful things through that life. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, 319)
“Do you love Me” is, in reality, a very searching question. We may know much, and do much, and profess much, and talk much, and work much, and give much, and go through much, and make much show in our religion, and yet be dead before God, from lack of love, and at last go down to the pit. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 207)
Wherever there is true grace, there will be a consciousness of love towards Christ. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 208)
The more we realize that Christ has suffered for us, and paid our debt to God, and that we are washed and justified through His blood, the more we shall love Him for having loved us, and given Himself for us. Our knowledge of doctrines may be defective. Our ability to defend our views in argument may be small. But we cannot be prevented feeling. And our feeling will be like that of the Apostle Peter–“You, Lord, who know all things, You know my heart; and You know that I love You.” (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 208)
Working for Christ the great proof of really loving Christ. It is not loud talk and high profession; it is not even impetuous, spasmodic zeal, and readiness to draw the sword and fight–it is steady, patient, laborious effort to do good to Christ’s sheep scattered throughout this sinful world, which is the best evidence of being a true-hearted disciple. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 208)
There is no such thing as luck, chance, or accident, in the journey of our life. Everything from beginning to end is foreseen–arranged by One who is too wise to err, and too loving to do us harm. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 209)
It is probable that the patient deaths of our martyred Reformers had more effect on the minds of Englishmen, than all the sermons they preached, and all the books they wrote. One thing, at all events, is certain–the blood of the English martyrs was the seed of the English Church. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 209)
True Christians are continually liable to run into extremes. Some are so entirely absorbed in their own inward experience, and their own heart’s conflict, that they forget the world outside. Others are so busy about doing good to the world, that they neglect to cultivate their own souls. Both are wrong, and both need to see a more excellent way; but none perhaps do so much harm to religion as those who are busy-bodies about others’ salvation, and at the same time neglecters of their own. (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 211)
And now let us close the Gospel of John with mingled feelings of deep humility and deep thankfulness. We may well be humble when we think how ignorant we are, and how little we comprehend of the treasures which this Gospel contains. But we may well be thankful, when we reflect how clear and plain is the instruction which it gives us about the way of salvation. The man who reads this Gospel profitably, is he who “believes that Jesus is the Christ, and, believing, has life through His Name.” Do we so believe? Let us never rest till we can give a satisfactory answer to that question! (J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John Vol.2, 211)
nothing is more difficult than to keep men under the yoke of God, among whom there are many who are weak, others who are wanton and unsteady, others who are dull and sluggish, and others who are slow and unteachable. Satan now brings forward as many causes of offense as he can, that he may destroy or weaken the courage of a good pastor. (John Calvin, John Vol 2, 251)
Those who are called to govern the Church ought, therefore, to remember that, if they are desirous to discharge their office properly and faithfully, they must begin with the love of Christ. (John Calvin, John Vol 2, 251)
The final section of this truly wondrous and most blessed Gospel contains teaching greatly needed by our fickle and feeble hearts. The central figures are the Lord and Simon Peter, and what we have here is the sequel to what was before us in chapter thirteen, the Lord washing the feet of His disciples. There, too, Peter was to the fore, and that because he occupies the position of a representative believer; that is, his fall and the cause of it, his restoration and the means employed for it, illustrate the experiences of the Christian and the provisions which Divine grace has made for him. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 953)
In John 21:9 we learn that the first thing which confronted the Apostle when he joined the Lord on the shore was “a fire of coals,” an expression found again in John’s Gospel only in John 18:18. There we read of “a fire of coals” in the priest’s palace, and that Peter stood by its side with Christ’s enemies “warming himself.” It was there that he had denied his Master. How this “fire of coals” by the sea of Tiberias would prick his conscience: a silent preacher, but a powerful one, nevertheless! (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 955)
Mark carefully how the Lord began: not with a reproach, still less a word of condemnation, nor even with a “Why did you deny Me?” but “Lovest thou me more than these?” (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 955)
Observe that the Lord did not now address him as “Peter,” but “Simon son of Jonas.” This is not without its significance. “Simon” was his original name, and stands in contrast from the new name which the Lord had given him: (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 955)
An opportunity had graciously been given Peter to retract his former boast, and gladly did he now avail himself of it. First, he began with a frank and heartfelt confession “thou knowest.” He leaves it to the Searcher of hearts to determine. He could not appeal to his ways, for they had reflected upon his love; he would not trust his own heart any longer; so he appeals to Christ Himself to decide. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 956)
The change of figure here from fishing to shepherding is striking: the one suggests the evangelist, the other the pastor and teacher. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 957)
Three times had Peter denied his Master; three times, then, did the Lord challenge his love. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 958)
That Christ knew all things comforted this disciple, as it should us. Peter realized that the Lord knew the depths as well as the surfaces of things, and therefore, that He saw what was in his poor servant’s heart, though his lips had so transgressed. Thus did he once more own the absolute Deity of the Savior. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 958)
It is only those who truly love Christ that are fitted to minister to His flock! The work is so laborious, the appreciation is often so small, the response so discouraging, the criticisms so harsh, the attacks of Satan so fierce, that only the “love of Christ”—His for us and ours for Him—can “constrain” to such work. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 959)
Like Samson, we may do more for God in our death than we did in our lives. The death of the martyrs had more effect on men than the lives they had lived. (Arthur W. Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John, 962)
The present scene before us is the restoration of this man, Peter, initially the leading apostle. He had failed badly when he denied his Lord, despite the Master’s warning. But Jesus looked tenderly at Peter and his tears that followed were bitter with penitence. (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 174)
These concluding words identify the disciple mentioned as the one referred to throughout as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” namely John. (Samuel Young, Beacon Bible Expositions, 176)
A second ambiguity relates to an interchange between two (Greek words underlying the English word love in this passage. If each Greek word carried a distinctive meaning, as is often argued today (love = “human agapao = “deepest love, inspired by God”; and love = phileo — friendship”), then the dialogue between Jesus and Peter must be described as little more than dismal. According to this view, Jesus twice asked Peter, “Do you love me with deepest, divinely inspired love?” to which Peter twice replied, “Yes, I love you as a good friend” (21 : 15-16). On the third attempt, Jesus lowered the level of His question, asking, “Do you love me as a good friend?” Hurt by this question, Peter replied, “Yes, I love you as a good friend” (see 21:17). But two objections cripple this interpretation. First, such a conversation makes little sense. If Peter truly was grieved when Jesus lowered the question to the level of human friendship, why did he not respond with a new commitment to a deeper love? And if Peter could confess nothing higher than friendship with Jesus, why would Jesus then entrust to Peter the high privilege of caring for the flock, as implied by His command to feed my sheep (21:15-17)? Second, a theory of distinct meanings for phileo and agapao in the Fourth Gospel cannot stand. Not only can agapao express human, and even sinful, love (3:19; 12:43), but phileo can express highest forms of love (5:20; 11:3, 36; 16:27). The interchange between these two Greek words in this passage, then, only reflects the normal use of synonyms to avoid a distracting repetition of the same term. (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 248)
So why the questions? Apparently, Jesus wanted to harness the power of Peter’s love and steer it toward sacrificial service. In effect, Jesus aimed not at discovering the condition of Peter’s heart (“Do you love me?”), but at converting that passion into pastoral action: “Since you love me, as I know you do and as you so vigorously confess, then feed my sheep!” (Joseph Dongell, John: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 248)
It is not a question of how many green leaves come forth in Peter’s life, but how much fruit he will bear because he is abiding in Jesus’ love. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 295)
John’s future is not Peter’s concern. That is all in the hands of the Lord, who could let him live until He returned if He so willed. A rumor got around that John would live until Jesus returned because people misunderstood what Jesus said. So the writer had to clarify what Jesus had really said. What an honest and instructive detail. People then, too, even in the believing community, did not hear correctly and therefore would pass on confusing information which had to be corrected. Times have not changed. (Roger L. Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John, 297)
Peter replies, Yes, Lord, … you know that I love you (v. 15). He does not claim to love Jesus more than the others do, which suggests he has benefited from having reflected on his shameful denials of the Lord. This response is typical of true discipleship, for it is humble and focuses on the Lord’s own knowledge. According to the NIV it is also a humble response in that Peter does not claim to truly love Jesus, but only to love him. Behind this translation there are two verbs for love, truly love (agapaö) and love (phileö). In the past it was common to find a great distinction between these two words, but in recent years the idea that they are close synonyms has come to prevail (for example, Carson 1991:676-77). The older idea that agapaö is divine love and phileö a lower, human love does indeed go too far. For both verbs are used of the love of the Father for the Son (3:35; 5:20), and agapaö can be used of false love, for example, the love of this world (2 Tim 4:10). So a simple distinction between the verbs is not justified, but this does not mean there is no distinction at all. For in this passage there is a pattern, with Jesus asking Peter twice whether he loves him (agapaö) and each time Peter responding that, yes, he does love him (phileö). Then the third time Jesus switches to using Peter’s word. Such a pattern suggests there is a distinction here (McKay 1985; H. C. G. Moule 1898: 176), and since agapaö is used more often in John for God’s love than is phileö, “it was likely that agapaö would be chosen for the higher meaning” (McKay 1985:322). The present context itself supports this view, for otherwise Peter would be claiming “the higher meaning” from the outset, which would not fit with his more chastened perspective. So the NIV seems justified in distinguishing these two terms in the present context. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 495)
Jesus’ asking three times recalls the three denials, and Peter’s pride is cut to the quick. Here we see the Great Physician performing painful but necessary surgery. The light is shining in. (Rodney A. Whitacre, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: John, 496)
Jesus goes to where the pain is, as he so often does (is this why so many resist his gentle advance, like someone putting off seeing the dentist until they can bear the toothache no longer?). He takes Simon Peter away from the others; as we see in verse 20, the beloved disciple is following them at a distance. They are probably walking slowly along the shore. And he asks the question that goes to the heart of it all: ‘Do you love me?’ (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 164)
But the most important thing, for the future, is for both of them to learn that God makes no mistakes in casting. Oh, it feels like that from time to time, no doubt. There are many times when faithful Christians look with puzzlement, and (alas) envy, at one another, and wish that they could swap places. But part of Christian obedience, part of accepting our commission as the language of our forgiveness (verses 15—17), is knowing that we are called to follow Jesus wherever he leads us, not wherever he leads the person next to us. (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone: Part 2, 167)
After the meal, Jesus and Peter had a talk. During their conversation, Jesus led Peter through an experience that would remove the cloud of guilt that came from Peter’s denial. The Master-Teacher conveyed both forgiveness and usefulness to this disciple who must have concluded he was beyond being useful to Jesus. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 404)
Jesus’ first question to Peter could be translated in three ways: (1) “Do you love me more than these men love me?” (2) “Do you love me more than you love these men?” (3) “Do you love me more than these things?” (that is, the fishing boat, nets, and gear). Of the three options, the first seems the most appropriate because Peter had boasted that he would never forsake Jesus, even if all the other disciples did (see Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:29; John 13:37). This was the same as saying that he had more love for Jesus than the others did. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 405)
The Lord’s command to Peter, “Follow me!” applies to each and every believer. He is not behind us; he is beside us, with us, and ahead of us, calling us to follow. (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 407)
Peter asked Jesus how John would die. Jesus replied that Peter should not concern himself with that. We tend to compare our lives to others, whether to rationalize our own level of devotion to Christ or to question God’s justice. Jesus responds to us as he did to Peter: “What is that to you? You must follow me,” (Bruce B. Barton, Life Application Bible Commentary: John, 408)
