“A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
John 21:17 (NLT)
Jesus asks Peter the same question three times: Do you love Me? And each time, He gives a different instruction—feed My lambs, take care of My sheep, feed My sheep. It’s like spiritual algebra. Peter is being called to care for the whole flock—children and adults, the weak and the strong. No one is outside his responsibility. Love for Jesus is proven by care for people.
Peter is hurt by the third question. And maybe that’s the point. Peter denied Jesus three times, and now he feels just a taste of what Jesus felt. But Jesus doesn’t shame him—He restores him. He makes the calling clear before revealing the cost. Loving Jesus will lead Peter to a life of sacrifice, even to death. And still Jesus says, Follow Me.
Peter denied Jesus by a fire. He is restored by Jesus at a fire. Love is kindled the same way it is lost—by fire. The Holy Spirit is that fire in us. Our love doesn’t fade from attack; it fades from neglect. It burns brighter or dimmer depending on our yieldedness. Restoration and denial are both decided at the fire. Let’s kindle our love today by following Jesus and yielding to the Spirit who helps us abide.