Traditional Catholic Teaching - Lesson 5

Lesson 5 - Supplement B

Peter's Reinstatement

John 21: 15 – 19

Introduction

After the initial experiences of the risen Christ, Peter and his fellow Apostles (feeling somewhat unsettled) returned to their former occupation of fishing. For a third time, Jesus appeared in their company, and joined in the proceedings by getting some breakfast ready while they were hauling in the nets. This incident is one of the most moving moments in the whole of our Lord's ministry, as he deals with the all-too-human Peter, who must come to terms with his own personal inadequacy. This is crucial, if he is to lead his fellow Apostles, and in turn, encourage them as they also confront discouragement, great difficulties and dangers. This same challenge must be met by each successor to St Peter as they serve the Lord Jesus as his representative on earth.

You will note how, throughout this dialogue, the English word love is used both by our Lord and Peter, But in their own language they each use different words for love. Our Lord refers to the highest and purest from of love (agapao). Peter, honest and uncomplicated, doesn't try to cover up the truth. He knows deep down that his love is nowhere near as strong and pure as it should be — as he wants it to be. But even more importantly, he knows how perfect the divine love of Jesus is. He therefore, talking of himself uses a less lofty term, "phileo". Paradoxically, only when a person is as honest and humble as this can they ever learn to love with the purity Jesus is calling forth in them. Let us observe this great moment as God the Son raises Peter to a new level of spiritual refinement which will equip him for the tasks ahead.

Some Notes On Our Text

Verse 15

After the meal (see Verses 12 – 14) our Lord gets down to unfinished business. A short conversation follows. Many of the great scholars disagree as to the importance of the words used for "love" in the original Greek text. There is however, a sequence, a flow, which we need to appreciate if we are to appreciate the real action going on.

Jesus opens up this section of the conversation: "Simon bar Jonah – son of John". Nowhere else is our Lord recorded as having addressed anyone in this way. It seems that in this brief incident our Lord takes Peter's mind back to the day when he first began to be a disciple of Christ, and to all that had happened in the past three years. In particular this would remind Peter of the day he first came to Jesus, and how he believed Jesus was the Lamb of God.

Jesus continues: " Do you truly love (agape) me more than these?" Our Lord knows perfectly well how much Peter loves him, but it is Peter who must have no doubt in himself. He is ashamed, after all his talk of what he would do for the Lord, that he denied Jesus three times and ran away when he was most needed. Our Lord understands Peter, why he acted as he did, and how he is feeling at the present time. But Peter cannot be left in this state if he is to fulfil his role in the Church. The Lord begins taking him through a most beautiful process of inner healing. Peter is not asked, "Do you believe?" – or – "Are you converted?" – or – "Have you been born again?" These are complex questions and entirely inappropriate. Instead, mercifully, the Lord asks Peter to tell him how he feels about him.

Our Lord's question has a little challenge in it. Peter had once asserted that he loved Jesus more than the other disciples did. The question therefore before him is something like, "Do you still think you love (agape) me so perfectly: with love purer than anyone else's?"

Peter replies, "Yes Lord, you know I love you (phileo)". Peter is being humble and replies with respect, meaning, it may not be the highest and purest form of love (agape), but it is love just the same. He now makes no claim that he loves Jesus more than anyone else, and realises such claims have no place among the followers of Jesus. Jesus says, "Feed my lambs".

Verse 16

Jesus again asks about Peter's love, leaving the others out of it. Just for the moment the spotlight is on Peter alone. "Do you really love me?" says Jesus, implying ‘as I love you (agape)'. Peter repeats the same reply, words to the effect: "I have very great love (phileo) for you, though I admit – it may not be as pure as it might". He does not venture to say a word about the others. He no longer compares the love in his heart with the love in the hearts of the other disciples. "I only know my own heart, and I feel sure I love you." Jesus replies, "Take care of (or feed) my sheep".

We note the great St Augustine observes that Christ, throughout this dialogue says "my" sheep or lambs, not "your".

Verse 17

Yet again Jesus asks, "Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me?" He is, by this means bringing Peter closer to him. Peter understands the question very well – "Do you really love me even to the degree you have just said?"

Peter is hurt, and now falls back on truth that cannot be refuted or diluted, or for that matter, held back. "Lord, you know all things. You know what sort of love I have for you, and I cannot hide it. My love is far from perfect, but I do love you, and I want to love you better."

At that moment, Peter proclaims Jesus to be the Lord who knows all things. As with Thomas, the Lord has patiently drawn out Peter's confession and proclamation. There is no doubt that Peter was recalling Psalm 139 –

"Lord, I lie open to your scrutiny;
You know me, know when I sit down and when I rise up again,
Can read my thoughts from far away…..
Scrutinise me O god, as you will, and read my heart;
Put me to the test, and examine my restless thoughts.
See if on any false paths my heart is set,
And yourself – lead me in the ways of old."

(Note: We have used the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament here, as this is the version, rather than the Hebrew, which was used by the early Church and by the writers of the Gospels.)

This will be Peter's prayer for the rest of his life. Peter is healed of all self-doubt and haunting guilt. He is now fully restored by the One he acknowledges as his Lord.

Jesus quietly repeats: "Take care of my sheep."

Three times Jesus has commanded Peter to take up the holy work of caring for the Shepherd's flock. Relying on Christ's strength he regains his courage and inner confidence. With those qualities he can be a good shepherd without being authoritarian, or lording it over the others.

Verse 18

For his humility and obedience, Jesus explains, he will be given the honour of dying in the same way as his Master, by crucifixion.

Calmly and without fuss Jesus concludes this time of renewal with the first words he ever addressed to Peter: "Follow me."

In other words: "Now there is nothing in the way. You are now ready to serve in the way I have prepared you for. Simply lead my flock by following me!"

Conclusion

We have been privileged to observe another very special moment in the relationship of Christ and his Apostles. After all the drama of the crucifixion, Peter had returned home thoroughly depressed. He couldn't sit around talking about it, so he went fishing to take his mind off everything. But our Lord had other plans. Patiently he awaited Peter's return to shore, attended to his bodily needs and then proceded to confront Peter very gently with his problem. Without realising it, Peter, in his usual style, engaged with the Lord honestly and openly, holding nothing back. Peter was very tender at this time, but our Lord knew how to restore him without destroying him. The outcome was indeed impressive, as the history of the early Church recorded. For that we will need to begin reading the Book of Acts.

End of Lesson 5 Supplement B

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