Friday 21 May 2010
- Bible Book:
- John
"He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' And he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.'" (v.17)
Background
Simon Peter was one of Jesus' most colourful disciples. We knowmore of him from the Gospel accounts than probably about any otherdisciple. He was impetuous, always ready to please, always makingsuggestions - sometimes without thinking how he could carry thosesuggestions through. Many Christians love Peter because they canidentify with him.
This passage is a very poignant interchange between Jesus andPeter. Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved him. Thesethree questionings, of course, correspond to Peter's earlierthreefold denial of Jesus under intense pressure and scrutiny inthe courtyard of the high priest, as Jesus was being tried (
Peter was mortified when he denied his Lord. He wept bitterly. Hehad asserted his love and loyalty beforehand but when the test camehe fell at the first hurdle. How could he face Jesus here? Whatwould Jesus make of him now? It's easy to imagine the thoughts thatwould be running through Peter's head.
But Jesus does not just pat Peter on the head and say he hasforgiven him. He gives him a serious task to perform - to lookafter the followers that Jesus is leaving behind. Jesus doesnot speakforgiveness to Peter,he acts forgiveness. He trusts him and,in being trusted, Peter finds forgiveness and strength.
To Ponder
Think back on an experience where you felt deniedor undermined by a trusted friend. How did you deal with that?
Forgiveness is a difficult business, and there isnot just one way of forgiving people. Accepting forgiveness fromothers is often more difficult. Think of occasions in your lifewhere another has offered you forgiveness but you have found ithard to accept.