Calvary Baptist Church

In John 21:15-17 we'll study an interesting exchange of words between Jesus and Simon Peter.  Some scholars minimize the differences in the words used in the text but I think there is a tender conversation recorded with some nuance of meaning that we should not miss.  Of course, even without the tools to study the ancient languages one could understand what is happening in the text.  Jesus was asking questions to expose the heart of Peter.  Jesus' questions always get to the "heart of the matter."  In this case the questions focus on love...not God's love for us but our love for Jesus Christ.  There are ways to know if we love Him or not.  In the text Jesus is being tender with Peter because of his recent failure.  Peter had been over confident but the experience he had of denying Christ was helpful in bringing Him to a more realistic place in His life.  Jesus reaffirmed the plans He had for Peter, which should be a real encouragement to all of us who have failed.  Who better than the broken, wounded and restored to restore the broken and wounded lambs of the Savior.  Do you love Jesus enough to feed His sheep and care for His lambs? It is a probing question and not one we should answer lightly.