Jesus was about to be arrested and explained how each of His disciples would fall away from Him. “Peter answered Him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I WILL NEVER FALL AWAY.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, YOU WILL DENY ME THREE TIMES. Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I WILL NOT DENY YOU!” (Matthew 26:33-35)
“Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But Peter DENIED IT, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And another girl saw him and said “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again, HE DENIED WITH AN OATH, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then Peter began to CURSE AND SWEAR, saying, “I DO NOT KNOW THE MAN!“ Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So, he went out and WEPT BITTERLY.” (Matthew 26:69-75)
“Jesus showed Himself again (this was the third time; he had still not spoken to Peter) to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias…” (John 21:1) In the meantime, “Simon Peter said to them, “I AM GOING FISHING.” (hupagō: to withdraw oneself, to depart, giving up evangelism going back to fishing) They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night THEY CAUGHT NOTHING.” (John 21:3) If this was how he was going to live now, not a very good start.
Jesus showed up there and said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So, they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish…Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” (John 21:5-6, 11) Jesus had some breakfast prepared and had them all come and eat.
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agapaō: a deep devotional love) Me more than these (these 153 big fish)?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileō: a close friend) You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agapaō) Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileō) You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (even phileō) Me?” PETER WAS GRIEVED because He said to him the third time, “Do you love (even phileō) Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, you know all things; You know that I love (phileō) You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:15-17)
Peter did learn and later said, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness LOVE (agapē).” (2 Peter 1:5-7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham