In the first part of our Lenten reflection, we meditated on Peter’s denial of Jesus and the spiritual lessons it holds for us. Now, we turn our attention to the second part of the story: Peter’s restoration. This beautiful encounter between the risen Christ and Peter, recorded in John 21:15-19, reveals the depth of Jesus’ mercy and the transformative power of His love. Through this reflection, we will explore the significance of Jesus’ threefold question, “Do you love me?” the difference between philo and agape love, and how Peter’s restoration speaks to our own journey of faith.

The Context: Peter’s Failure and Jesus’ Mercy

Peter’s denial of Jesus was a profound failure. Despite his earlier declarations of loyalty, Peter succumbed to fear and denied knowing Jesus three times. Yet, even in Peter’s failure, Jesus did not abandon him. After His resurrection, Jesus sought out Peter, not to condemn him, but to restore him. This act of mercy is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may fall, Jesus is always ready to welcome us back.

The restoration of Peter takes place by the Sea of Galilee, where Peter had first been called by Jesus. It is a scene rich with symbolism. Peter, who had returned to his old life of fishing, is once again called to follow Jesus. This time, however, the call is deeper and more personal. It is a call to love, to mission, and to a renewed commitment to Christ.

Jesus’ Threefold Question: “Do You Love Me?”

Three times, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17). This threefold question mirrors Peter’s threefold denial, giving Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Jesus and to undo his earlier failure. Each question and response carries profound meaning, reflecting the different levels of love and the stages of Peter’s restoration.

1. The First Question: “Do You Love Me More Than These?”

Jesus begins by asking, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15). The phrase “more than these” can be interpreted in several ways. It may refer to the other disciples, the fishing nets and boats, or the comforts of Peter’s former life. In essence, Jesus is asking Peter, “Am I your priority? Do you love me above all else?”

This first question corresponds to Peter’s first denial, where he denied his personal relationship with Jesus. By asking Peter to affirm his love, Jesus is inviting him to renew that personal bond. Peter responds, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus then commissions him, “Feed my lambs.” This command underscores the connection between love for Christ and the care of His flock. Only those who have a deep, personal relationship with Jesus can truly feed His lambs—those who are young in faith and in need of spiritual nourishment.

2. The Second Question: “Do You Love Me?”

Jesus asks Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:16). This time, the question is simpler, but no less profound. It corresponds to Peter’s second denial, where he denied his identity as part of Jesus’ community. By reaffirming his love, Peter is also reaffirming his place within the community of disciples.

Peter responds again, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus then says, “Tend my sheep.” This command goes beyond feeding the lambs; it involves leading and caring for the entire flock. It reflects Peter’s role as a leader within the community, a role that requires not only love for Christ but also love for His people. Peter’s restoration is not just about his personal relationship with Jesus; it is also about his mission to serve and lead the Church.

3. The Third Question: “Do You Love Me?”

The third time, Jesus asks Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:17). This question corresponds to Peter’s third denial, where he denied his mission and calling. By asking Peter to affirm his love once more, Jesus is restoring Peter’s sense of purpose and mission.

Peter, perhaps feeling the weight of the threefold question, responds with humility, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus then says, “Feed my sheep.” This final command emphasizes the breadth of Peter’s mission. He is not only to care for the young and vulnerable but also to nourish and guide the entire flock. Peter’s restoration is complete: he has been forgiven, renewed, and recommissioned.

The Difference Between Philo and Agape Love

A closer look at the original Greek text reveals a deeper layer of meaning in Jesus’ questions and Peter’s responses. In the first two questions, Jesus uses the word agape, which refers to a selfless, sacrificial love—the highest form of love. Peter, however, responds with the word philo, which refers to a brotherly or affectionate love. This difference highlights the gap between Jesus’ expectations and Peter’s current capacity.

In the third question, Jesus meets Peter where he is, using the word philo. This shift reflects Jesus’ understanding and compassion. He knows that Peter is not yet capable of agape love, but He also knows that Peter’s love will grow and deepen over time. By meeting Peter at his level, Jesus invites him to grow into the fullness of love.

This distinction between philo and agape love is a powerful lesson for us. Jesus does not demand perfection from us; He meets us where we are and invites us to grow in love. Our journey of faith is a journey of growing in love, from philo to agape. Lent is a time to reflect on our own capacity for love and to ask Jesus to help us grow in selfless, sacrificial love for Him and for others.

The Call to Mission: “Follow Me”

After restoring Peter, Jesus says, “Follow me” (John 21:19). This simple command echoes Jesus’ original call to Peter at the beginning of His ministry. It is a call to renewed discipleship, to a life of love and mission. Peter, who had once followed Jesus at a distance, is now called to follow Him closely, even to the point of laying down his life.

This final command reminds us that our restoration is not just about forgiveness; it is also about mission. Like Peter, we are called to follow Jesus, to love Him, and to serve His flock. Our Lenten journey is not just about repentance; it is also about renewal and recommitment to our mission as disciples of Christ.

Lessons for Our Lenten Journey

As we reflect on Peter’s restoration, several lessons emerge for our Lenten journey:

1. Jesus’ Mercy is Always Available: No matter how far we may have fallen, Jesus is always ready to restore us. His mercy is greater than our failures.
2. Love is the Foundation of Discipleship: Jesus’ questions to Peter remind us that love is the foundation of our relationship with Him and our mission in the world. Lent is a time to deepen our love for Christ.
3. Growth in Love is a Journey: The distinction between philo and agape love reminds us that our capacity for love grows over time. Lent is a time to ask Jesus to help us grow in selfless, sacrificial love.
4. Restoration Leads to Mission: Like Peter, we are not only forgiven but also called to mission. Our Lenten journey should lead us to a renewed commitment to follow Jesus and serve His flock.

Conclusion: From Failure to Faithfulness

Peter’s restoration is a story of hope and transformation. It reminds us that no failure is final, no sin is beyond redemption, and no heart is beyond repair. Jesus’ mercy and love have the power to restore us, to renew us, and to send us out on mission.

This Lent, let us open our hearts to Jesus’ merciful gaze. Let us respond to His question, “Do you love me?” with humility and sincerity. And let us follow Him, not at a distance, but closely, with a love that grows ever deeper and a commitment that grows ever stronger. May we, like Peter, be transformed by His mercy and sent forth to feed His sheep. Amen.