John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:17
On the third question, “Lovest thou me?” Peter responds with agapē, but Luke notes Peter was “grieved” by the repetition. This third inquiry, though painful, completes the restoration cycle. The sequence shifts from agapē to philia in Peter’s reply, signaling humility and a candid acknowledgment: “thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.” The text uses a bilingual nuance: while Jesus presses Peter toward a higher form of love, Peter confesses relational faithfulness, trusting in Jesus’ knowledge of his heart. The grieved reaction reveals the emotional weight of the denial and the intensity of Jesus’ bid for fidelity. The exhortation to “feed my sheep” remains, now anchored in a reconciled Peter who is aware of his limitations yet willing to serve.
This moment emphasizes grace that meets human vulnerability. It shows that restoration does not erase the complexity of a sinner’s heart but reconfigures it toward service. Jesus invites wholehearted devotion as the basis for pastoral care. The passage also demonstrates the compassionate way Jesus handles pastors who falter: acceptance, recommissioning, and continued leadership.
If you’ve been wounded by your own failures, this verse speaks hope: Jesus sees your heart, not just your mistakes, and he invites you to serve again. Practical steps: acknowledge your limits, lean on Jesus for renewed strength, and seek to care for others in small, tangible ways—listening well, offering encouragement, sharing your resources. If you lead a team or ministry, this is a reminder to cultivate a culture of grace that allows people to confess, repent, and re-engage with the mission.
Cross-References: Psalm 51:12-13; Galatians 6:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Luke 22:31-32; James 5:16