Book of John - Chapter 21 - Verse 16

When Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him in John 21:15-17, it is a significant moment in the Bible. This interaction between Jesus and Peter serves as a form of restoration and commissioning for Peter, who had previously denied Jesus three times. By asking Peter three times if he loves Him and then instructing him to "feed my sheep," Jesus is not only forgiving Peter for his earlier denial but also reinstating him as a leader in the Christian community. The act of "feeding my sheep" is symbolic of caring for and leading Jesus' followers, emphasizing the importance of love and service in the Christian faith. This verse is a powerful reminder of Jesus' forgiveness and grace, as well as a call to all believers to love and serve one another in the name of Christ.

In this verse from the Gospel of John, we see Jesus asking Peter if he loves him three times. The repetition of this questioning has been the subject of much theological interpretation. Some scholars suggest that the threefold questioning mirrors Peter's three denials of Jesus before his crucifixion, giving Peter the opportunity to affirm his love for Jesus three times to counteract his previous disloyalty. Additionally, the use of different Greek words for love (agape and phileo) in Jesus' question and Peter's response has led to discussions about the nuances of love and devotion. Some theologians believe that Jesus was challenging Peter to deepen his love for him, moving from a more selfless, sacrificial love (agape) to a more personal, affectionate love (phileo). Ultimately, Jesus' command to Peter to "Feed my sheep" is seen as a commission to care for and lead the followers of Christ, emphasizing the importance of pastoral care and discipleship in the Christian faith.