Daily Devotions
John
John 21:1-25 "FROM SIMON TO PETER"
Day 362 – John 21
FROM SIMON TO PETER
When Jesus first met Peter, He called him “Cephas” (John 1:42). Jesus knew what He was talking about. Simon, son of Jonah would become Cephas or Peter. Jesus Himself would make him strong.
Over the three-year period, Peter had to learn many hard lessons of faith, ministry and life itself. Through these lessons, Jesus was going to make Simon into a new man. He would emerge as Peter the Rock!
The process of teaching was arduous if not long. The pace at which Jesus lived was hectic, to say the least. But through the process, the natural Simon, son of Jonah, gave way to Cephas.
Simon the son of Jonah had failed miserably. How could Jesus have called him “Cephas”? He was not a rock. He was not steady. As he sat by the seashore, Peter felt that he was one indistinguishable grain of sand! He felt anything, but a Rock!
THE HEALING PROCESS
Jesus knew the depth of hurt that Peter felt! The healing process had begun, but it was not complete! Thus He asked again – the same question!
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
John 21:16
What could Jesus mean by asking Peter the same question … so soon after He asked the first time? Peter responded quietly once again.
“Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
John 21:16
Surely, Jesus knew Peter’s heart! He could not be doubting his love for Him, could He? That would be devastating, if Jesus were to doubt his love. He may have been foolish when he sought to exalt himself as the one who loved Jesus best, but he had learned his lesson!
No more would he speak so proudly of his love for Jesus. As Peter listened to Jesus’ question, he noted that He used a special word. He had chosen to use the word “Agap-e” (translated “love”).
If Jesus used that word, then Peter must find another word for love in reply. He chose the word “phile-o” (also translated “love”) as his chosen response to the Lord.
While both words are sometimes used interchangeably, the significance of the word used is determined by the context! In Peter’s mind, Jesus had truly loved them well! He had stood by them through thick and thin. He had taught them even when they kept failing to understand Him fully. Jesus had every right to imbue rich meaning to the word “Agap-e”.
Peter, knowing his limitations only too well now, refused to use the same word as Jesus! He had once said that he would go to jail and even die with Jesus! He had to eat those words shortly after.
No, he would never place himself on par with the Lord ever again! If there were one lesson he had learned well, this would be the one! He would never dare to trust himself fully again!
But had Peter swung to the other end of the pendulum? It was one thing to speak humbly, but should there be mistrust of one’s love for the Lord?
Jesus wanted Peter to trust in his love for Him in ministry. He might fail again, but each failure had its own set of lessons to teach! Had Peter understood why Jesus asked him the second time round whether he loved him?
As Peter pondered over the reply that he gave, Jesus once again gave a rejoinder.
“Tend My sheep.”
John 21:16b
ENTRUSTING PASTORAL RESPONSIBILITY
Jesus had taught His Disciples about what it means to be a shepherd. He had used Himself as the Model (John 10). Did Jesus really mean it? Was He really entrusting Peter with the responsibility of tending or pasturing the sheep?
As Peter listened to Jesus, he recalled what Jesus had taught.
1. A good shepherd must know his sheep very well (John 10:14).
2. A good shepherd must be prepared to lay down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
These and other lessons must have crossed Peter’s mind as he listened to Jesus entrust him with caring for the sheep! There were many sheep! They had all scattered! Peter must be the good shepherd. He must find the lost sheep. He must bring them back into the fold. He must be strong for this great work that was being entrusted to him. That strength was available through the Holy Spirit given to him.
One of the most significant fruit that the Holy Spirit would produce in him would be “love”. It was wise of Peter to speak humbly of his love. But he must never downplay the significance of this love that had been nurtured in his heart! That love for Jesus would stand him in good stead in ministry!
JESUS HAD CHOSEN WELL
Years later, Peter wrote a general epistle to believers who were scattered far and wide. He was fulfilling what Jesus had entrusted to him. In that epistle, Peter wrote a special word of encouragement to fellow shepherds.
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you …
being examples to the flock …”
1 Peter 5:2-3
Jesus had chosen well. Peter would become a good shepherd in the future, even though the present moment looked gloomy and miserable! Jesus sought to lift up Peter’s eyes to look beyond the present moment.