Sermons Based on the Lectionary of the Church

Jesus Reinstates Peter

by Rev. Dr. V. Kurian Thomas, Valiyaparambil

Devotional Thoughts for the Third Sunday After Easter (2nd Sunday after New Sunday)

Next Sunday is the 3rd Sunday after Easter. Gospel reading is from John 21:15-19.

Topic: Jesus Reinstates Peter.

Gospel Reading: (John 21:15-19)

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Message:

After the big catch of fish at Lake Tiberius, the disciples had a meal with Jesus. After the meal, Jesus turns to Peter. In the presence of all other disciples, Jesus confronts Peter. Peter was full of doubts concerning where he stood with Jesus. He probably thought Jesus would ridicule him. But Jesus had only compassion for him. Jesus was trying to remove Peter's guilt.

Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these others?" This may have reference to Peter's earlier pledge that if everybody fled, he would never flee. Peter responded by saying, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Peter had denied Jesus three times during Jesus' journey to crucifixion. Jesus was asking Peter if he was still willing to make the claim that if everybody fled, he would never flee. He had learned humility and realized that he was not strong as he thought he was. Peter thought that he would never do what he did, like we pledge on many occasions to ourselves that we would not commit the type of sins that others commit. David never thought he would commit adultery. Solomon never thought he would be caught for idol worshipping. Peter never thought he would deny Jesus. Peter learned from his experience that he wasn't as strong as he thought because of the mistakes he made in life. Peter was humbled before Jesus and became honest about it.

When Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, Peter responded in an honest fashion. He realized that his actions did not match the degree of his devotion to Jesus. He was honest and told the truth. He said, "Lord, you know that I love you."

Whatever our past may be, like Peter, Jesus stands to forgive, and also restore us. Jesus can turn our failures into victory. Jesus can give us another chance to turn things around as he gave to Peter. Many of us fail in our relationships with others. We fail in dealing with our family members and friends appropriately. We fail emotionally. We cannot control our anger and emotions. We blame others more than us for our failures in life. We fail in taking care of our health. We fail in trying to overcome those old habits of ours. Whatever kind of failures may be, no matter how deep they may be, regardless of how many times we have experienced it, Jesus Christ is there to help us to turn those failures into victory for us. Like Peter, victory could be ours if we give ourselves to Jesus Christ.

See Also:

Lovest Thou Me?
by Rev. C. H. Spurgeon

Do You Love Me? Feed My Lambs
by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin

Forgiveness for Peter Moments
by Teresa Fry Brown

Picking Up The Pieces When Dreams Have Died

"Freed To Follow"
by Yvonne Delk
Restoring Simon Peter
by Rev. Fr. George T

Do You Have A Genuine Love For Christ?
by Rev. Fr. Gheevarghese John

Do You Love Me More Than These?
by Rev. Fr. Mathew Chacko

Devotional Thoughts on Second Sunday after the New Sunday
by Rev. Fr. George T

Devotional Thoughts for Second Sunday after New Sunday
by Rev. Fr. Mathew Chacko

Devotional Thoughts for the 2nd Sunday after the New Sunday
by Watchman Upon the Wall

Devotional Thoughts for 2nd Sunday after the New Sunday
by Jose Kurian Puliyeril

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