Jesus had appeared to the disciples three times but had not yet spoken to Peter, Times were seemly desperate, “Simon Peter said to them, I am going (hupagō: to withdraw or retire) out to fish. They said to him, WE will go with you also. They went out and entered into a boat immediately. And that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:3) Peter was saying “I’m retiring from the ministry and going back to fishing” six of the disciples declared they were going as well. They fished all night and caught nothing (not a good start).
“But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not recognize Him. Jesus said, “Children, have you any food?” They answered, “No.” And He said to them, “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.” (John 21:4-6) John said, “It’s the Lord” so Peter threw off his coat and jumped in, to swim to shore, Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
Simon Peter went up and DRAGGED THE NET TO LAND, full of large fish, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE…So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter (in English, just the word “love” is used. But in Greek two different meanings of the word for “love” is used), “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agapē) Me more than these (these 153 fish because Peter was going back to fishing)?” Peter said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileó) You.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus said again, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agapē) Me?” Peter said, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileó) You.” Jesus said, “Tend My sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileó) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said the third time, “Do you love (phileó) Me?” And Peter said, “Lord, YOU know all things; You know that I love (phileó) You.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21:10-11, 15-17) Notice first two times Jesus asked do you agapē me (an unconditional love). Peter answered phileó (fondness or friendship with). The third time Jesus said do you EVEN LOVE ME with phileó love, He wanted Peter to commit to unconditional agapē love. A love that loves no matter the circumstances, I love you God because WHO YOU ARE not because of what you do for me!!!
THAT’S WHAT GOD DESIRES FROM US, UNCONDITIONAL AGAPĒ LOVE, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, WE WILL FOCUS OUR FULL LOVE TO GOD, THROUGH WHATEVER WE HAVE TO FACE.
-Bill Stockham