Restoration and Leadership

John 21:15–25
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In this passage of Scripture, Christ challenges Peter to leadership. The key issue is Peter’s love for the Lord Jesus and that should be a key matter with us today. It is interesting to note that Peter had denied his Lord three times, and now the Lord asks Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?” Three times Peter said he did not even know the Lord (18:17, 25, 27); now three times he responds by saying he loved the Lord (vv. 15-17).

In spite of his faults and failures, Peter did indeed love the Lord and he was not ashamed to admit it.  This goes to show how a person may fall, but God’s grace will restore him if he is truly repentant.  Now, three times Jesus commissions Peter to care for the flock (vv. 16-17). He is commissioning Peter to a pastoral office of caring for His sheep. After he had confessed his sin and been forgiven, Jesus restored him to apostleship and leadership.

Jesus tells Peter that he will have a long, useful life of service, but in the end, “Thou shall stretch forth thy hands” (vv. 18-19). Some think this language refers to crucifixion, and church tradition has it that Peter was put to death on a cross hung upside down. Having been told about his future, Peter now wants to know about John’s future (vv. 20-21). Jesus rebukes him for wanting to know the future of another  person’s life (vv. 22-23). He tells Peter that all he needs to be concerned about is his own relationship and walk with the Lord (v. 24). It is so easy to get distracted by asking unnecessary questions, and as a result neglect God’s plainly revealed will for our lives. Jesus did many other things. If they were all written in books, I don’t suppose there would be room enough in the whole world for all the books (v. 25).

Application

If I was asked the  same  question that Jesus asked Peter, what would my answer be?

____ Yes all the time.  ____ Yes most of the time.  ____ Yes some of the time.