Title: John 21:15–25
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John 21:15–25
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He 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, “Tend my sheep.” He 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. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.
Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. (ESV)
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In his sermon "Feed and Follow," Jed Gillis explores the profound conversation between Jesus and Peter in John 21:15-25. The passage captures a pivotal moment where Jesus gently yet firmly reinstates Peter after his earlier denials. Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time, Peter affirms his love, and Jesus responds with a command to "feed my sheep." This exchange emphasizes that true love for Christ is demonstrated through caring for others and guiding them spiritually.
Gillis points out that Jesus does not dwell on Peter's past failures but instead focuses on his current devotion. This teaches us that our past mistakes do not define our ability to serve God now. What matters is our present love for Him and our willingness to follow His commands. Furthermore, Gillis highlights that Jesus' instructions to Peter—feeding His sheep—are about more than just showing love; they involve actively nurturing others in their faith.
The sermon also addresses the human tendency to compare ourselves with others, as seen when Peter asks about John's fate. Jesus' response, "What is that to you? You follow me," reminds us that our focus should remain on our personal relationship with Him rather than on comparing ourselves with others.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
