John 21:16-17 16He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Shepherd my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
It would seem that Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question in verses 15-16 was adequate, but something was missing. So, Jesus asked Peter a second time a similar question, just lacking the comparison “more than these.” Jesus used Peter’s full name again and used it for the third question. Jesus was getting to the heart of the issue, which was love (agapas). Two challenges to Peter could be happening in this passage. The first is to what extent Peter truly loved Jesus. Was he willing to go the way of the cross? Had he come to the point of total commitment and faith? The second challenge comes as a result of the first. Why did Jesus ask Peter basically the same question three times? Since Peter denied Jesus three time, he also needed to confirm his love for Jesus three times. This passage is often interpreted as Peter’s reinstatement and reconciliation with Jesus.
Peter’s response to Jesus’ second question is exactly the same as his first response. Jesus’ response to Peter’s answer is different. His first response was to feed his lambs. The second gives a similar image of taking care of Jesus’ flock but with Shepherd my sheep. The two ideas are almost equivalent and could simply be a variation for style, but Jesus always did everything intentionally. Feeding is one aspect of tending sheep. As the lambs grow up, they need guidance and protection. Jesus was extending the metaphor to include long-term care, which in other contexts could be called discipling and training.
Jesus’ third question in verse 17 makes a subtle change missed in English translations. Instead of the word agapas, the type of love God showed by sending his only begotten Son, Jesus used phileis, the type of love found between friends and family. This is the word Peter had used in his first two responses. Was Jesus coming down to Peter’s level and accommodating his limited understanding of love? It is impossible to know, but John does record how this third question bothered Peter. Was his answer not good enough, or was it insincere? Had he missed the point? His response was deeper and more personal, appealing to Jesus’ omniscience. Peter had learned over the years that he could not hide anything from Jesus.
Jesus knew Peter’s heart and that his answers were sincere, truthful, and intentional. Jesus’ third response combines his first two responses with feed coming from his first answer and sheep coming from his second answer. Jesus had come full circle in his interrogation of Peter, and Peter had come to realize that Jesus knew him fully, including his sins and failures (his betrayal), yet still entrusted him to be the leader. In spite of our own failures and even betrayals, the mercy of Messiah Jesus is extended to us and offers forgiveness and reconciliation. No one who is sincere, repentant, and has faith will be turned away.
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