Lesson 4588

 (Lesson 4588)(08-26-24) John 21:15-19 

  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” 

  

 Today’s quote relates that after they had finished eating, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him, each time instructing Peter to "feed my sheep." That mirrored Peter's three denials of Jesus before the crucifixion. Jesus was reaffirming Peter's role as a leader among the disciples and the early church. He also hinted at the kind of death Peter would face, indicating that Peter would one day die in a manner that would glorify God. After that, Jesus told Peter to follow Him. ~