"To Know the Love of the Christ"-Conclusion of "Father, Forgive Them"

Peter did not have to wait long for an answer.  Jesus was resurrected on the morning of Nisan 16, and evidently on that same day, he made a personal visit to Peter.  (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:4-8) Why did Jesus give such special attention to the apostle who had so vigorously denied Him? Jesus may have wanted to assure the repentant Peter that he was still loved and valued by his Lord.  But Jesus did even more to reassure Peter.


Some time later, Jesus appeared to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee. On this occasion, Jesus three times questioned Peter (who had three times denied his Lord) as to Peter's love for him.  After the third time, Peter replied:  "Lord, you know all things; you are aware that I have affection for you."  Indeed, Jesus, who could read hearts, was fully aware of Peter's love and affection for him.  Yet, Jesus gave Peter  an opportunity to reaffirm his love.  More than that, Jesus commissioned Peter to "feed" and "shepherd" his "little sheep."  (John 21:15-17)  Earlier, Peter had received an assignment to preach. (Luke 5:10)  But now, in a remarkable demonstration of trust, Jesus gave him a further weighty responsibility-to care for those who would become Christ's followers. Shortly afterward, Jesus gave Peter a prominent role in the activity of the disciples.  (Acts 2:1-41) How relieved Peter must have been to know that Jesus had forgiven him and still trusted him!


Next time: "To Know the Love of the Christ"-Do You "Know the Love of the Christ"?


From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah