Jesus is here reminding Peter of what he did in a gentle, loving way. He is also giving him the opportunity to sort of undo the three denials. It is like a penance. Three times Peter declares that he loves Jesus. On the third time (verse 17) we are told Peter grieves. Why does he grieve. It occurs to me it is because Peter now remembers his three denials. At the same time he catches on to what Jesus is doing. Yet he affirms one more time that he loves Jesus. This time it must have had a lot more feeling.
Jesus is also renewing Peter's place as leader of the group by telling him to "Tend my sheep." also three times.
In the first question Jesus asks Peter if he loves him "more than these". Peter wisely and modestly does not address that part of the question. He simply responds, "yes Lord you know that I love you". Peter is growing wiser we see. He knows better than to compare himself to the other disciples. He can only speak for himself.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment