John 21:17 – “The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ 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.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse is the final part of a powerful conversation between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asks Peter a third time, “Do you love me?” This time, Peter is deeply hurt. He likely realizes that Jesus’ three questions parallel his three denials from the night of Jesus’ arrest (John 18:15-27).

Peter had once confidently declared that he would never abandon Jesus (Matthew 26:33-35), yet he had denied Him three times. Now, Jesus is not only restoring Peter but also giving him a mission: “Feed my sheep.” This is a direct command for Peter to care for Jesus’ followers, just as a shepherd cares for his flock.

Peter’s response shows humility and dependence on Jesus. Instead of making bold claims, Peter simply says, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” He acknowledges that Jesus knows his heart better than he does.

Historical Context

This moment takes place after Jesus’ resurrection but before His ascension. The disciples, including Peter, were still figuring out their next steps. They had gone back to fishing (John 21:3), likely feeling uncertain about their future.

In Jewish culture, shepherding was a common metaphor for leadership. Leaders of Israel were often called shepherds, responsible for guiding and caring for God’s people (Ezekiel 34:1-10). Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15), was now commissioning Peter to continue that work by pastoring the early Church.

The Sea of Galilee, where this encounter happens, was also the place where Jesus had first called Peter (Luke 5:1-11). This reinforces the idea that Peter’s calling was not over—Jesus was bringing him back to where it all began.

Theological Implications

1. Restoration After Failure – Peter’s three denials had left him broken. Jesus does not ignore this failure but directly addresses it, offering Peter a path to redemption. This shows that God restores those who turn back to Him.
2. Love Requires Action – Jesus does not just accept Peter’s words; He commands him to feed His sheep. This means that love for Jesus must be expressed through service and care for others.
3. Jesus’ Knowledge of Our Hearts – Peter realizes that Jesus already knows his heart. This teaches us that Jesus understands our struggles, doubts, and weaknesses. We don’t have to prove our love—He sees it.
4. God Uses Imperfect People – Peter had failed, but Jesus still called him to lead and shepherd His people. This proves that God’s grace is greater than our past mistakes.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of symbolism and intentional repetition, and this passage is a key example.

• The Threefold Questioning – Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, mirroring Peter’s three denials. This is a deliberate act of restoration.
• The Shift in Words for Love – In Greek, Jesus first asks Peter if he loves Him using “agape” (deep, sacrificial love). Peter responds with “phileo” (brotherly love). The third time, Jesus meets Peter where he is and also uses “phileo.” This shows Jesus’ patience and understanding of Peter’s heart.
• The Sheep Metaphor – Throughout Scripture, sheep symbolize God’s people (Psalm 100:3). Jesus calling Peter to “feed my sheep” confirms Peter’s role as a spiritual shepherd.

This conversation is not just about forgiveness—it is about restoration and commissioning. Jesus is preparing Peter to become a leader in the Church.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 18:15-27 – Peter denies Jesus three times before the crucifixion.
• Luke 5:1-11 – Jesus calls Peter to be a “fisher of men.”
• John 10:11-15 – Jesus as the Good Shepherd, laying down His life for His sheep.
• Ezekiel 34:2-16 – God rebukes false shepherds and promises to be the True Shepherd.
• 1 Peter 5:2-4 – Peter later instructs church leaders to “be shepherds of God’s flock,” showing that he took Jesus’ command seriously.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Jesus Restores Us – No matter how badly we have failed, Jesus is always ready to forgive and restore us when we come back to Him. Peter had denied Jesus at His darkest moment, yet Jesus still loved him.
2. Loving Jesus Means Serving Others – If we truly love Jesus, it should show in how we care for others. This includes helping, encouraging, and discipling fellow believers.
3. God Sees Our Hearts – Peter no longer boasts about his faithfulness; he simply says, “Lord, you know all things.” We don’t have to prove ourselves—Jesus already knows our love for Him.
4. Failures Do Not Define Us – Peter’s greatest failure did not disqualify him from serving God. Instead, it prepared him for the role he was about to take. God uses our failures to shape us for His purpose.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s Grace is Greater Than Our Sin – Jesus did not push Peter away after his failure; He drew him closer. This reflects God’s heart for sinners—He does not give up on us.
2. God Calls Us to Participate in His Work – Jesus could have led His Church alone, but He chose Peter. God delights in using ordinary, broken people to accomplish extraordinary things.
3. God’s Love is Personal – Jesus didn’t address Peter in front of the entire group to embarrass him. He restored Peter in a personal conversation, showing that His love meets us where we are.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Good Shepherd – Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd, and He is now passing on the responsibility of shepherding His people to Peter. This shows that Christian leadership reflects Jesus’ care for His flock.
2. Jesus as the Restorer – Jesus’ entire mission was about redeeming the lost. Here, He restores Peter, proving that His love is greater than any failure.
3. Jesus as the All-Knowing Lord – Peter says, “Lord, you know all things.” This acknowledges that Jesus is not just a teacher—He is God, who sees and knows everything.

This moment is not just about Peter—it points to Jesus’ role in forgiving, restoring, and commissioning all who follow Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him?
2. How does this passage encourage you if you have ever failed in your faith?
3. What does Jesus’ command to “feed my sheep” teach us about the Christian life?
4. How can we show our love for Jesus in practical ways, not just in words?
5. Have you ever experienced a moment where Jesus restored you after a failure? How did that impact your faith?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus does not just forgive—He restores and calls us forward. Peter’s story is proof that our failures do not define us, but Jesus’ grace does. No matter what we’ve done, His love remains, and He invites us to follow Him, serve others, and trust in His perfect plan.