Scripture Reference: John 21:15-19 (Friday of the 7th Week of Easter)

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” … “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” (John 21:15, 17)

There is a fire on the beach. Fish are cooking. The disciples have just witnessed a miraculous catch. But Jesus is not interested in fishing techniques. He is interested in one heart — the broken, weeping, three-times-denying heart of Simon Peter.

This is the most tender interrogation in all of Scripture.

The Number Three That Heals

You remember what happened. Just days before, in the high priest’s courtyard, a servant girl asked Peter if he knew Jesus. Three times he swore, “I do not know the man.” And then the rooster crowed. Peter went outside and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).

Now, on the shore of Galilee, Jesus asks the same number of questions. But this time, Peter answers differently.

Three denials erased by three declarations of love.

Jesus does not say: “Peter, you failed. Explain yourself.” He says: “Do you love me?” Not a reprimand — a restoration. The Lord does not define Peter by his worst moment. He calls him back to his first moment: the call to love.

“More Than These”? A Hidden Sting

The first question includes a curious phrase: “Do you love me more than these?”

Scholars debate what “these” refers to — the other disciples? The boats and nets (his old life)? Perhaps Jesus is gently asking: “Peter, do you love me more than you love your pride, your reputation, your need to be right?”

Peter has learned humility. He no longer boasts, “Even if all fall away, I will not” (Matthew 26:33). Instead, he answers simply: “You know that I love you.” He has stopped comparing himself to others. He only looks at Jesus.

That is real growth.

Love That Becomes Action

Each time Peter says “I love you,” Jesus gives him a mission:

• “Feed my lambs.”

• “Tend my sheep.”

• “Feed my sheep.”

Love without action is a feeling. Love with action is pastoral. Jesus is ordaining Peter — right there on the beach — to care for His flock. Not because Peter is perfect, but because Peter knows what it means to be forgiven.

Have you ever noticed that the Church’s greatest shepherds are often those who have failed greatly? Saint Augustine, Saint Peter, Saint Paul. Why? Because they never confuse God’s mercy with human merit.

“Follow Me” — The Last Command

Jesus concludes with a sobering prophecy: Peter will one day stretch out his hands and be led where he does not want to go — a clear reference to crucifixion. Then He says simply: “Follow me.”

Not “Follow me when it’s easy.” Not “Follow me until you fail again.” Just “Follow me” — all the way to Rome, all the way to an upside-down cross, all the way into glory.

What This Means for Your Friday

You have denied Jesus too — maybe not with words, but with silence when you should have spoken, with compromise when you should have resisted, with lukewarm love when you should have burned.

And yet, Jesus is asking you the same question this morning: “Do you love me?”

He is not asking for a perfect track record. He is asking for your honest, humble, tear-stained “Yes.” And with that yes, He gives you a mission: feed someone today. Tend the person who irritates you. Care for the soul God has placed near you.

Your failures are not the end of your story. They are the place where Jesus rebuilds you.

A Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, You know everything. You know my denials, my cowardice, my excuses. But You also know that I love You — badly, weakly, but truly. Heal my heart with Your threefold question. Then give me someone to feed today. And when I am afraid, whisper again: “Follow me.” I will. By Your grace, I will. Amen.