Words of Hope—for YOU

Words of Hope—for YOU After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to many people, including the disciples. Even after this, some of the disciples returned to their old jobs and family trades. Some of the disciples are out fishing when a stranger arrives and begins talking to them. Soon they realize that it’s Jesus, and He invites them to eat breakfast with Him. Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown Himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead. After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter: “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:13-17, NIV) How many times did Peter deny Jesus? And how many times did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him? It is no coincidence they’re both three times. Jesus is making a point here, and I’m sure it was hard for Peter realizing what Jesus was hinting at. But there was more to it than just reminding Peter of his past denial. What if these three questions weren’t meant for convicting, but more for reinstating? Jesus was giving Peter an opportunity to accept Him for who He was and what He was doing in the world. Jesus follows up Peter’s three responses of love with: “Feed my sheep.” Peter is being invited into a love relationship with Jesus, His Father, and what they are doing in the world. Here, the resurrected Christ eagerly sits to enjoy a meal with His followers again. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter can now be reinstated into the life God has for him. Though he may not have listened to Jesus well enough before, he is being invited into the conversation again. Jesus’ words are not so much inspired by the shadow of the cross, but today they are energized by the emptiness of His tomb. Jesus didn’t stop the invitations with Peter; He is still giving them out today. The resurrected Savior is asking you, “Do you love me?” and “Will you listen?” He is inviting you into a whole relationship with Him. “Will you listen?” He asks. If your answer is yes, then He is also asking you to share with others… to listen with others… to invite others to join in whole relationships with you and Jesus. This is a miracle of Easter that emerges from the Shadow of the Cross… You are invited into the family of God! And you can invite others as well! You are a miracle! Grant Fishbook