Friday 17 May 2013

Background: Continuing development

Today's passage opens with brief details of an ordinary,everyday occurrence. The miraculous resurrection of Jesus hadalready happened, and Jesus is again in the company of hisdisciples and they had just enjoyed the meal that nutritionistshave labelled as 'the most important meal of the day' - breakfast.Food had played a key part in their relationship and development ofthe disciples, and so it is no surprise that Jesus uses theexamples and imagery of food in the continuing development of thosewho close to him.

This brief but revealing conversation with Peter seems typicalof the personal and focusing way that Jesus illuminated deepertruths. The probing and repeated question and the keen listening tothe answers, made Peter feel quite uneasy. Some translations say hewas hurt; others say he was grieved. But upset or not, Peterdeepens his answers, affirming that although language might belimiting, his love for God was not. So why did Jesus ask the samequestion three times and risk annoying Peter? Was Jesus after theequivalent of customer feedback rating, or was it that he wanted toaffirm Peter's role and call now that his relationship with Jesushad been restored? Jesus seemed to be giving Peter the opportunityto say: 'I know what I did before, but I am committed to followingyou and will not walk away again'.

Far from judging Peter's answers, Jesus gives him three answersthat recognise his repentance, repositions his credibility andrestores his call. Peter is given the mandate to continue in hisdevelopment and to develop others in their journey to - and in- Godin three specific ways. When Jesus said "feed my lambs" (v. 15), hetasked Peter with the care for the young, vulnerable and theinexperienced. When Jesus said "tend my sheep" (v. 16), Peter wasbeing reminded of his loving duty of care for those who were matureand maturing. When Jesus said "follow me" (v. 19), Peter was againbeing given an opportunity to rely on God to do all of the above,and to do it well. It was going to be no small task to lead others,but Jesus wanted Peter to know that God still wanted - and indeedtrusted - him to do it.

It would have been understandable if the narrative had shownJesus advising Peter of a change of heart, perhaps due to lostconfidence and betrayed trust. Instead Jesus does the opposite,once again showing the place and value of grace and undeservedfavour that are vital in being disciple and discipling others.

To Ponder

• What question(s) have you been asked that you found annoying orupsetting?

• Have you been given a second chance? What did that feellike?

• How will you continue to develop yourself and others?