Most of the believers that I have spoken with have this indescribable connectedness to Peter. In other words, there is so much about him that is appealing, abhorable, and at the same time familiar. I think we connect with Peter's HUGE moments: walking on the water with Jesus, the mountain top experience of the transfiguration, and even the revelation of Jesus as the Christ. However, we also connect with Peter's humanity: sinking into the water, sticking his foot in his mouth, being rebuked by Jesus, and even his denial of knowing Him. It seems as though we have all been there in some form or another. What is remarkable about this story is the unrelenting pursuit of Jesus for Peter. He knows what is in him. He knows the plans that the Father has for him. And He just won't let it go.
Before this scene, Peter makes an announcement: "I'm going fishing."
Sounds like a guy getting ready to throw in the towel doesn't it? Who among us hasn't felt this way? The guilt that he carried, the shame that he experienced...better to go back to fishing than to mess things up one more time. Right?
The good news is that Jesus plans a breakfast meeting on the shore. Isn't it just like Jesus to confront us in our wrong thinking? Isn't it just like Jesus to come to us? It most definitely is!!!
Another wonderful aspect of this part of the story is how Jesus seeks to restore Peter. We all know that Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus even predicted that this would happen. Three times Peter was called out by the people. Three times Peter had an opportunity to go to jail or even die with Jesus. Three times he denied himself that opportunity even though He swore he never would. Three times he denied even knowing Jesus (once with a curse). Jesus in His love for Peter wanted to bring restoration. Which is why we find Jesus asking Peter three times: "Do you love me?" Three times Peter says "Yes." And three times Jesus instructs Peter to take care of the flock. Why is this important? It's important because Peter was to be a rock. He was to be the one who would lead this band of misfits once Jesus left. Peter was the one who heard the divine revelation of who Jesus really was. Peter, with all of his screw-ups, was a perfect fit in the Lord's mind. As long as he carried the guilt and shame of denying Jesus, this would never happen. Jesus will always bring restoration in every area where we have denied Him.
The other point of this story that needs to be stressed is the language of the exchange between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asks Peter, three times, "Do you LOVE me?" Peter answers, three times, "You know that I LOVE you." What is not seen in the English is the striking comparison between them. In the Greek language we know that there are three different words that are translated as "love":
Agápe - a deeper, spiritual, unconditional love
Éros - a physical, passionate, sensual love
Philéō - a kind, affectionate, brotherly love
Jesus asks Peter "Do you Agápe me more than these?" Peter says "You know that I Philéō you."
Jesus asks Peter again "Do you Agápe me? Peter says again "You know that I Philéō you."
Jesus asks Peter a third time "Do you Philéō me?" Peter answers again "You know that I Philéō you."
Every question goes to the heart of the matter. Every answer gets the same response. The change happens in how Jesus asked the question. Twice he asks Peter if he loves him unconditionally. Peter responds that he loves Him with a great brotherly love. The last question is the attention grabber because Jesus changed the word for love. He asks Peter if he loves Him with a brotherly affection. Peter, although grieved, responds affirmatively. Jesus' response? "I can work with that."
I think we often portray our relationship with God as "all or nothing." And in many cases this could be true. However, what we find in the story is Jesus' willingness to accept what Peter is willing to give. Peter's willingness to give the only love he knew was enough for Jesus to show him what he could with that kind of love. How is that possible? I mean, we are told that God will only accept the best. But what I often find in the gospel narrative is a God who is willing to use what we bring to Him. Maybe our faith isn't as big as we would like it - but He uses what we bring Him.
Maybe our love doesn't even come close to His quality of love - but He can do so much with it.
Maybe our strength isn't as strong as we arrogantly believed - His grace is sufficient and is actually made perfect in our weakness. For you and I to live in the abundant life of Christ is to recognize that He comes, He restores, and He receives us just as we are.
What I believe we have discovered in the story, and Peter's honesty, is purity of heart. There is no arrogance in his declaration of love. No presumption as to what he would do. It's real and genuine. Jesus takes it and shows the world what He can do with that kind of love.
Stop beating yourself up over the failures of your past. Find Jesus in the midst of the darkness.
Stop thinking that you could never match up. Hear the voice of Jesus in your frustration.
The absolute beauty of this life is discovering the Lord in the midst of it. Good, bad, or ugly, He is always there and He is for you. He knows more about you than you do. He sees the rock inside you and desperately wants you to see it for yourself. Can you give Him your faith? Can you give Him your love? Can you give Him your weaknesses? He wants it all.
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