In confronting Peter, Jesus addressed him by his former name “Simon, son of John.” It was as if our Lord called him by his former name when he was acting like his former self.
The Lord bluntly asked Peter if he loved Him more than anything or anyone (Jesus used the Greek word agapaō, the highest love of the will, love that implies total commitment).
Peter replied to Jesus, “Yes Lord; You know that I love You,” but Peter uses the Greek word phileō, expressing the love of a friend: “Lord you know I am your friend”).
The Greek word Peter uses for “know” is hoida not ginōskō. Hoida signifies to have seen or perceived and suggests fullness of knowledge whereas ginōskō suggests beginning or progress in knowledge. “Lord, you have full knowledge of everything; you fully know that I love You.”
Peter, like all pastors, is called to feed believers with God’s word, building them up in the faith to full maturity in Christ, equipping them for the work of service, until they attain to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4)
Peter was grieved because Jesus was not only questioning Peter’s full devotion and commitment; He was questioning his friendship.
Peter’s failure highlights the biblical truth that obedience is the essential evidence of genuine love.
JESUS PREDICTS THE MARTYRDOM OF PETER 21:18-19
Jesus’ prophecy of Peter’s martyrdom underscores the truth that commitment to Christ may require paying the ultimate price.
Jesus had said in Acts 1:8 before His ascension that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit had come upon them to be His witnesses (His martyrs). This promise of the Lord was fulfilled literally in Peter’s life, for he died a martyr for the cause of Christ.
Peter spent the last three decades of his life serving the Lord and anticipating his martyrdom. Yet he faced that prospect with confidence, comforted by the knowledge that he would not deny the Lord again, but instead would glorify Him in his death.1 Peter 4:12-16, 19
According to the Roman historian Eusebius, Peter was crucified upside down, because he felt unworthy to be crucified like his Lord.
After Jesus had spoken His prophecy of Peter’s death, He said to him, “Follow Me!” (Live in faith and you will be able to die in faith).
JESUS REPROVES PETER 21:20-23
Though fully restored, the old Simon still remained. That is how it is with all believers; though fully forgiven in Christ our sinful nature still raises its ugly head and tempts us to get our eyes off of Christ.
Christ had told Peter “to follow Him,” not look around at what others are doing or where they are going. When called to serve in the body of Christ, we are not to look around and compare ourselves with others but to keep our eyes on Christ and follow Him.
Peter’s attention was not to be on anyone else, but on his own devotion and duty to Jesus Christ. All believers will do well to embrace this truth that the Lord has a unique plan for each of His followers.
JOHN’S FINAL TESTIMONY 21:24-25
John was an eyewitness to the events recorded in his gospel, and therefore his testimony concerning them is true.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John had selectively chosen his material in keeping with his stated purpose that “these things were written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
The true gospel call to follow Jesus Christ is a call to self-denial. It is not a man-centered call to self-fulfillment; there is no such thing as “Christianity lite.”
Jesus does not offer sinners a superficial makeover to satisfy their desires for self-improvement; He calls them to submit to a complete takeover of their lives for His glory—with eternal benefits.
