seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
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.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
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. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John says if he wrote down everything Jesus did.... there wouldn't be enough room in the world to hold the books. That's quite an accomplishment.
This is from the easy English site.
Jesus used two different Greek words for the word that we translate as ‘love’ in this passage. In verses 15 and 16, Jesus used a form of the word ‘agape’. This refers to love that is completely unselfish. It means to love without a thought about our own desires. It means to love without a desire to receive any reward. ‘Agape’ describes the kind of love that God has for us. ‘Agape’ is the word that John used in John 3:16.
But the three times that Peter answered Jesus, he (Peter) used the Greek word ‘phileo’. This refers to the kind of love that friends have. It means to care for somebody. It is a weaker kind of love than ‘agape’. Perhaps Peter felt that he was not yet ready to declare that kind of ‘agape’ love for Jesus. Once, Peter had said that he would die on behalf of Jesus (John 13:37). Perhaps Peter was remembering how, instead, he had lied to protect himself. In verse 17, Jesus used the word ‘phileo’, too. Perhaps he was saying, ‘Are you even my friend?’ Perhaps that was what upset Peter.
Jesus had just told Peter that he (Peter) would die because of his faith. And Peter immediately wanted to know what would happen to the other disciple (probably John). This was a very natural reaction. We often compare ourselves with other people. Perhaps we think that another Christian is more clever or more spiritual. Or perhaps we think that we have more problems than other Christians. Or we may be jealous of other Christians. But this is not the right attitude to have. Jesus told this to Peter. How John would die was not Peter’s affair. Peter just had to obey Jesus’ command to follow him.
I found this at the blueletterbible.org site.Do you love Me more than these... You know that I love You: Jesus asked the question twice using the word agapas, which in its Biblical usage often speaks of an all giving, uncaused, unselfish love. Peter answered Jesus using the word philio, which in Biblical usage sometimes has in mind a more reciprocal love, a friendly affection. Some translations express Peter’s answer as, “I am your friend.”
I really don't think this chapter is about how Jesus forgave Peter and made Peter "Rock" of the church. I think this is about Jesus telling Peter to get with the program..Peter held everything up.... Peter always figured he was really the top dog. Sure... John was the best friend of Jesus... but Peter claimed he would give up his life for Jesus. Turns out he did.... but that's not what he really meant. Peter, IMHO, was ready to lead the rebellion against Rome. He didn't really sign up to be the head of the church.... he was in it to sit beside Jesus the king of Jerusalem.
Peter slowed things down. He jumped up with a sword to lop off the ear of one of the guards.... Jesus had to stop in the middle of being arrested and perform a healing miracle because of Peter.
I think Peter was just like the Zebedee brothers. They were in it for themselves.... they figured Jesus was going to be king and they would be big heads in His court. Peter figured Jesus was going to use him too. Jesus was always talking about "kingdom come" and I think Peter figured he would sit right beside Jesus... just like John.
Jesus could see who Peter really was.
Peter was in it for Peter.
Jesus asked Peter..... "Are you even my friend?"
