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. . . .

— John 21:17

Jesus’ questions parallel Peter’s three denials. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter was asked three times if he was associated with Jesus, and each time Peter said no (John 18:15-18, 25-27). Now Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” And while Peter is obviously hurt by this, no doubt Jesus was hurt by Peter’s denials as well.

The rebuilding of Peter’s relationship with Jesus was important. Jesus needed to hear that Peter still loved him. Jesus still had a role for Peter to fill in his growing kingdom. And Peter needed to know he was forgiven and still welcome in Jesus’ kingdom work. In fact, Peter might have thought he wasn’t welcome to follow Jesus anymore after his denial—and that might have been at least partly why he went back to fishing so soon after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Whatever the case, Peter needed to know that he was still welcome.

Nothing Peter could do would separate him from Jesus’ love. The same is true for us (Romans 8:38-39). We might deny Jesus and turn our backs on him in any number of ways. But Jesus never does that to us. He is always waiting for us, asking us if we love him, and giving us a continued purpose in his kingdom. Jesus’ love never fails. This is a promise we can depend on every day.

Jesus, thank you for the gift of forgiveness and for continuing to call us to follow you. Thank you for providing us with salvation and a new life with you! Amen.