John 21:18

"He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep."

Key Reflection

In John 21:18, Jesus addresses Peter three times with a question about his affection, which echoes their earlier conversation where Jesus had foretold Peter's denials (John 13:38). The original audience would have understood the significance of this repetition as a poignant reminder of Peter’s past failures and future loyalty. This context highlights the dynamic nature of faith and forgiveness, showing how Jesus not only acknowledges Peter's potential for betrayal but also reassures him of his place in the Lord’s plan through the task of shepherding His flock.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. When thou wast young. When in early life thou didst gird thyself &c. The Jews, in walking or running, girded their outer garments around them, that they might not be impeded. See Barnes "Mt 5:38-41". Thou girdedst. The expression here denotes freedom. He did as he pleased--he girded himself or not--he went or remained, as he chose. Perhaps the expression refers rather to that time than to the previous period of Peter's life. "Thou being young or in the rigour of life, hast just girded thyself and come freely to the shore." In either case the Saviour intimates that at the end of his life he would not be thus free. When thou shalt be old.

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