Jesus Forgives Peter

Jesus Forgives Peter 

John 21:1-19 

Both Jewish and Christian writers note that the trajectory of the Bible is toward greater inclusion and community, rather than less. Here are a few examples:  

• The Korahites were opponents of Moses and thus opponents of God who were severely punished (Numbers 16). But later, Korahites were authors of several psalms (42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, 88)!  

• Men were heads of households, and women could inherit under certain circumstances (Numbers 27:1-11). In the story of Job, his daughters have even greater inheritance (Job 42:10). 

• At different historical times, the Egyptians and Assyrians were enemies of the Israelites. But Isaiah depicts a time of peaceful relations with those enemies—and, indeed, those enemies are blessed by God (Isaiah 19: 23-25)! 

• The Samaritans and the people of Judah had tense relations (for instance, Ezra 4:1-4). But, of course, a particular Samaritan became Jesus’ example of exemplary love (Lk. 10:25–37). 

• Belief in Jesus was originally a phenomenon among Jews. But those who had faith in Jesus were surprised to see non-Jews touched by God’s spirit and sharing the faith (Acts 15). 

We can learn a lot about God’s ways from such examples, especially when we’re inclined to limit our love and welcome for one another. 

Still another example pertains to our scripture. Remember that Jesus warned, “whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven” (Matt. 10:33). By this standard, Peter—who of course denied Jesus three times—would surely be condemned. 

But what does Jesus do? After the Resurrection, Jesus returns right away to Peter and the other disciples (who have denied Jesus by their absence in his time of need, if not by their words)! No matter what your sin and failure, there is always abundant grace and love for you!  

In our scripture from John, Jesus meets a few of the disciples who have returned to their occupation of fishing. While eating together on the shore, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”

At first thought, you might think Jesus is “laying a guilt trip” on Peter by subtly reminding him of his betrayal. 

Rather, Jesus is giving Peter a new chance. He gives us second chances, and third and fourth chances, fiftieth, hundredth, and on and on. As Pastor Linda said in her sermon, Jesus offers us unending love and forgiveness; he loves us when we don’t love ourselves. 

In our story Jesus goes through this little ritual so that Peter can let go of his guilt. Peter doesn’t have to be held back by it. Jesus knows Peter’s potential. He knows that Peter has already had three years’ experience with following Jesus. He doesn’t want Peter to throw that all away. Jesus empowers Peter for even bigger and better things. 

Another lovely thing about this story is the presence of other disciples. Faith communities are full of people coming from different places and perspectives! Although Jesus speaks separately with Peter, nearby are Thomas, Nathaniel, James and John, and two others (John 21: 3). We know that Jesus responded personally to Thomas, who had questions about the Resurrection (John 20:24-29). This is the first we see of Nathaniel since he, too, had questions about Jesus, to which Jesus responded personally (John 1:43-51). 

God’s will for us is to be an inclusive, loving community, where we identify and nurture the potential in one another!  

Prayer:  Dear Lord, help us grow in Christ’s patient, guiding love in our faith communities. Amen.  

(A devotion written for our church, for this past Sunday.)