Love and belonging - Alofa ma lona faasinomaga

Scripture Focus: Ioane 21:15-19

So when they had eaten their 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 have affection for 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 have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go.” Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
- John 21:15-19 (WEB)

Study:

This passage depicts a powerful restoration of Peter after his denial of Jesus. Jesus doesn’t simply ask if Peter *believes* in him, but repeatedly asks if Peter *loves* him. Peter's initial response and increasing grief underscore the weight of his past failure. This repeated questioning isn’t about Jesus’s uncertainty, but about drawing a renewed commitment of love from Peter. Each affirmation of Peter’s love is met with a charge to care for Jesus’s flock – “feed my lambs,” “tend my sheep.” This highlights that love for Jesus is inextricably linked to service for others. The final prediction of Peter’s future martyrdom isn't a threat, but a foreshadowing of his ultimate glorification of God through sacrifice. The repeated call to “Follow me” is a return to the core of discipleship.

Application:

This encounter speaks directly to our own experiences with failure and restoration. We all stumble, fall short, and sometimes even deny our faith through our actions. However, Jesus, in his grace, continues to seek us out and ask, “Do you love me?” Our response isn't about perfection, but about honest affection. And, like Peter, our love for Jesus should be expressed through practical service – caring for others, offering compassion, and living a life that reflects his teachings. It’s a reminder that belonging comes through love and a commitment to following Jesus, even amidst our imperfections.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever felt the sting of failure after letting Jesus down?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus repeatedly asked Peter about his love?
• How does love for Jesus translate into practical actions in your daily life?
• What 'sheep' are you called to 'feed' or 'tend' in your current circumstances?
• How does the ultimate call to 'follow me' resonate with your daily walk with Christ?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your unending love and compassion. Forgive us for the times we have failed you. Help us to grow in our affection for you and to demonstrate that love through service to others. Give us the courage to follow you faithfully, even when it’s difficult. Amen.

Tags:Peter, love, restoration, discipleship, forgiveness, service, following Jesus, John 21, faith, compassion, lambs, sheep, belonging, Christian life, walking with Jesus