What Happened at the Beachfront Bbq
Scripture Reading — John 21:15-19
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
After Peter’s triple denial of Jesus (John 18:15-27), the risen Christ appears one morning and invites Peter and his companions to a fish barbecue. After breakfast, Jesus asks Simon Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” Whoever or whatever “these” are, Jesus’ meaning is clear: Does Simon, son of John, love Jesus, Son of God, above all?
The English language masks the distinction between Jesus’ questions and Peter’s responses. Jesus asks, “Do you love [agape] me?” referring to total, unconditional love. Peter replies, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo] you,” referring to “brotherly love.” He can’t say he loves Jesus as Jesus loves him, so Peter professes the best love he has. Again Jesus asks, and Peter answers. Peter is hurt when Jesus asks a third time, but perhaps he’s not listening. With divine humility Jesus has used Peter’s word (phileo) this time, as if to say, “OK, I accept the best you can give.” Then Jesus says, “Feed my sheep” (see John 10).
Jesus is reconciling. Peter is being restored. Jesus’ three-fold query mirrors Peter’s triple denial. Peter’s triple profession of love for Jesus shows that his restoration is complete. And Jesus repeats the first call he made to Peter and the others: “Follow me!” (see Mark 1:17).
Do we love Jesus above all? Then let’s feed his sheep with the news of his resurrection.
Lord, we have denied you often. Please restore and guide us to love and serve you faithfully. Amen.
About the author — Norman F. Brown
Chaplain Norman F. Brown graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, in 1969. He served aboard destroyers during the Vietnam conflict and ashore in San Diego, Calif., as an instructor. By then God had made clear his call to work in pastoral ministry, and Norman entered Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating in 1980. Chaplain Brown pastored churches during his ministry career but spent most of his time as a navy chaplain. During one assignment he served three years at Holy Loch, Scotland, where he and his wife, Ruth, encountered the Iona Community and their emphasis on spiritual disciplines. Chaplain and Mrs. Brown have three married children and nine grandchildren.
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