John 21:15 – “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse begins a powerful conversation between Jesus and Peter. After breakfast, Jesus turns to Peter and asks him, “Do you love me more than these?” The phrase “more than these” likely refers to either the other disciples or the fishing trade Peter had returned to. Essentially, Jesus was asking, “Do you love me above all else?”

Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” However, Jesus’ response is not just acceptance—He gives Peter a command: “Feed my lambs.” This means that Peter’s love for Jesus should be shown through action. Jesus was entrusting Peter with the responsibility of caring for His followers, just as a shepherd cares for sheep.

This conversation is deeply personal for Peter. Just a short time before, Peter had denied Jesus three times (John 18:17, 25-27). Now, Jesus is giving him a chance to reaffirm his love and commitment. This is not just a moment of restoration—it is a commissioning. Jesus is calling Peter back into leadership, showing that past failure does not disqualify someone from serving God.

Historical Context

This moment takes place after Jesus’ resurrection and just before His ascension. The disciples had been following Jesus for three years, but His crucifixion had shaken them. Even after seeing Jesus alive, they were still figuring out what their future looked like.

Peter had been a natural leader among the disciples. He was bold, outspoken, and often acted quickly (sometimes recklessly). But after his three denials of Jesus, he likely felt ashamed and unsure of his role. Jesus, in His kindness, meets Peter in this moment—not to scold him, but to restore him.

The setting is also significant. They are by the Sea of Galilee, the same place where Jesus had first called Peter to follow Him (Luke 5:1-11). This reinforces the idea of a fresh start. Just as Jesus had once called Peter to be a “fisher of men,” He was now calling him again—but this time, to shepherd His people.

Theological Implications

1. Restoration After Failure – Peter had denied Jesus, but here, Jesus is bringing him back. This shows that failure is not the end of the story. Jesus restores those who turn back to Him.
2. Love Requires Action – Jesus doesn’t just ask Peter if he loves Him; He gives him a mission. True love for Christ is not just words—it is lived out through service to others.
3. Jesus’ Authority – By giving Peter this task, Jesus is showing that He has the authority to entrust people with His work. He is not just a teacher—He is the risen Lord, commissioning His followers.
4. Shepherding as Leadership – Jesus uses the language of shepherding because caring for people is like tending sheep. It requires patience, dedication, and protection. Leaders in the church are called to care for others in the same way.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often uses repetition and symbolism to make deeper points, and this passage is rich with meaning.

• The Threefold Questioning – Jesus will ask Peter three times if he loves Him (John 21:15-17). This mirrors Peter’s three denials, creating a moment of healing and restoration.
• Use of Names – Jesus calls Peter “Simon son of John” instead of Peter, the name He had given him (John 1:42). This could suggest that Jesus is calling him back to his foundational identity before sending him out again.
• The Word Choice for Love – In the original Greek, Jesus initially asks Peter if he loves Him using the word “agape”, which refers to deep, unconditional love. Peter responds with “phileo”, meaning brotherly love. This suggests that Peter is humbled—he knows he failed and is hesitant to claim deep devotion.

This exchange highlights Jesus’ patience and kindness—He meets Peter where he is, drawing him closer instead of pushing him away.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 18:17, 25-27 – Peter denies Jesus three times before the crucifixion.
• Luke 5:1-11 – Jesus first calls Peter to follow Him by the Sea of Galilee.
• Matthew 16:18 – Jesus tells Peter, “On this rock, I will build my church.”
• 1 Peter 5:2-3 – Later in life, Peter writes about being a faithful shepherd of God’s flock, showing that he took Jesus’ command seriously.
• Ezekiel 34:2-6 – God condemns leaders who do not care for His people, reinforcing the importance of faithful shepherding.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse speaks powerfully to anyone who has failed, doubted, or felt unworthy. Peter had failed in the worst way—he denied Jesus when it mattered most. Yet Jesus did not reject him. Instead, He invited Peter back into relationship and responsibility.

This is a reminder that Jesus is not done with us, even when we mess up. He is always ready to restore us when we turn back to Him.

It also challenges us to live out our love for Jesus. It’s easy to say, “I love Jesus,” but real love is shown through action—through caring for others, sharing the gospel, and serving in His kingdom.

Additionally, it shows that leaders in the church are called to be shepherds, not just authorities. Leading in the Christian life means caring for people, protecting them, and guiding them with love and humility.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s heart for restoration. Jesus didn’t have to confront Peter—He could have left him in his guilt. But He loved Peter too much to let him stay in his failure.

It also shows that God calls people not because they are perfect, but because He is gracious. Peter was far from perfect, but Jesus still entrusted him with an important mission. This reflects how God works throughout Scripture—He uses imperfect people to do His perfect work.

Lastly, it highlights God’s personal care. Jesus doesn’t give a general speech to all the disciples—He speaks directly to Peter. This reminds us that God is not distant; He sees us individually and meets us personally.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This moment connects deeply to Jesus’ identity as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Jesus had laid down His life for His sheep, and now He was asking Peter to take on that same heart of caring for others.

It also fulfills Jesus’ promise that He would restore and use Peter. Peter had been called before, and now, despite his failure, Jesus was confirming that he still had a role to play.

Additionally, this passage foreshadows Peter’s future leadership. After Pentecost, Peter would boldly preach the gospel (Acts 2:14-41), perform miracles (Acts 3:6-7), and write letters encouraging believers to be faithful shepherds (1 Peter 5:1-4). Jesus’ words in this verse were not just about the moment—they were shaping Peter’s entire future.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter specifically, “Do you love me more than these?”
2. How does this passage encourage you if you have ever felt like you failed in your faith?
3. What does Jesus’ command to “feed my lambs” teach us about how we should care for others?
4. How can we show our love for Jesus through action, not just words?
5. In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ restoration and calling in your own life?

This verse is a beautiful reminder that Jesus restores, calls, and equips those who love Him. No failure is too great, and no past mistake can stop God’s purpose in our lives. Jesus invites us, like Peter, to love Him not just in words, but in how we care for others and live out His calling.