Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—John 21:15-23
by: Gabrielle Andries.
Jesus did not repeat His question to Peter to ensure his devotion, but rather to cause conviction and self-reflection within Peter. Notice that in this passage, Jesus referred to Peter as Simon, which was Peter’s name before Jesus changed it. It may also be noteworthy to remember that before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied Jesus three times. It is key to recognize that Jesus used two different meanings for love in this passage—the first two times having stronger meaning than the last. Jesus then told Peter to obey God and spread the Word without focusing on what God had others doing. How often do we let the endeavors of others deter us from what God has called us to do?