Day 29 — “Do You Love Me?”

“Jesus asked a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ ‘Lord, You know all things,’ he replied. ‘You know I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’”

— John 21:17 (BSB)

Peter had failed badly.

On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter had promised, “I will never deny You!” But a few hours later, standing by a fire in a courtyard, three different people asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. And three times, Peter denied it. “I do not know Him,” he said. Then the rooster crowed, and Peter ran away weeping.

Even after Jesus rose from the dead, Peter must have felt terrible. How could he face Jesus after what he’d done?

Then one morning, after a night of fishing, Peter and some of the other disciples saw Jesus on the shore. He had made a fire and was cooking breakfast for them. After they ate, Jesus turned to Peter.

“Simon son of John, do you love Me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said. “You know I love You.”

Jesus asked again. “Do you love Me?”

“Yes, Lord. You know I love You.”

And then a third time. “Do you love Me?”

Peter was hurt. Why did Jesus keep asking? But maybe Peter realized: Three times I denied Him. Now three times He’s letting me say that I love Him.

“Lord, You know all things. You know I love You.”

And each time, Jesus gave Peter a job: “Feed My lambs.” “Shepherd My sheep.” “Feed My sheep.” Jesus was telling Peter, You’re not finished. I still have work for you. I want you to take care of My people.

Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter. He restored him. He gave him a fresh start and trusted him with an important job. And Peter became one of the greatest leaders of the church.

Have you ever let Jesus down? Maybe you did something you promised you’d never do. Maybe you were embarrassed to be known as a Christian. Maybe you’ve failed the same way over and over.

Jesus is asking you the same question He asked Peter: Do you love Me? And He’s offering you the same thing: forgiveness, a fresh start and a purpose. Your failure isn’t the end of your story.

Think about it: Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times? What does this tell you about how Jesus treats people who fail?

Try this: If you’ve let Jesus down, answer His question today in prayer: “Lord, You know I love You.” Then ask Him how you can serve Him.

Lord Jesus, You know all things. You know I love You. Thank You that when I fail, You don’t give up on me. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me a fresh start. Show me how I can serve You. In Your name, Amen.