“The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” John 21:17
I could imagine what Peter was going through when Jesus asked him the third time, “do you love me?” When Jesus came back to celebrate His victory over sin and defeat of the devil, his disciples surrounded him and rejoiced over feast and fellowship. Everyone came before Christ with joyous exclamation. Mary Magdalene announced, “I have sen the Lord.” Thomas shouted, “My Lord and my God!” John cried out, “It is the Lord!” Not Peter, he was tagging along the crowd, not a word…silent. He didn’t run up to Christ to embrace him or show any sign of affection. Instead, Jesus came to him. He was scared, shaken, nervous, guilty, and ashamed. There probably came a rush of the past every time Christ asked for his love. Jesus knew his heart all this time. Out of all His disciple, Christ came to Simon Peter before everyone else. He knew that Simon Peter was unstable, even with his faith in Chirst. Peter denied him several times and had many counts of disobedience. He refused to let Jesus wash his feet; he seized the guard who was trying to rest Jesus; and he denied Christ three times. After all that, Jesus is now sitting next to him. There is no way Peter can face him. Jesus reaffirmed Peter three times and he finally broke down.
Jesus could’ve sat down and talked about other things that were more comfortable sounding. Maybe ask Peter how he’s doing or command him to take care of his flock, but He doesn’t. He gets right down to the root of it all, our hearts. In response, Peter’s heart was shattered.
God knows our hearts and when we come before him, we’re completely transparent, even naked. There’s nothing to hide from Him. When we come before him, all we feel is guilt, shame, and disgrace. We can’t face him for the countless mistakes that we’ve committed. Yet, He doesn’t give up on us and continues to ask us, “do you love me?” As I look to the root of the heart, Christ doesn’t want our offering and our service as much as He wants our fist love to be Him, and only Him.
