December 20, 2023
Restoration
“So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My lambs.’” John 21:15 (NASB)
I once had a serious disagreement with someone in ministry. It went on for about two years unresolved. I had been stewing over something I felt treated unfairly. Finally, over time the Holy Spirit would no longer allow me to carry the burden. He convicted me and reminded me that Jesus had forgiven all my sins, and now it was time to pay it forward. Within a day, I went to see the person, I told them I had been bitter for a while. I explained the situation, and before the person could answer in their defense I said, “I’m not here to argue about it. I am here to apologize.” The person raised their voice about their position. They said they were not wrong. I said the same statement, “I’m not here to argue about it. I am here to apologize.” After about three times, I think it set in. He allowed me to continue to finish, and then ask for forgiveness. Since that day, the subject has never come up between the two of us. It was complete restoration.
“So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ When Jesus called Simon Peter “Simon, son of John” He used it as a rebuke and later restoration. MacArthur says this well: “Simon, son of John” suggests that what followed was a rebuke. Jesus referred to him as ‘Simon’ when Peter did something that needed rebuke or correction (e.g. Matt. 17:25; Mark 14:37; Luke 22:31). It was as if our Lord called him by his former name when he was acting like his former self.”[1] Then Jesus looked at Peter (knowing everything he had already done), and said, “do you love Me more than these?” Peter’s heart must have skipped a beat when he heard this. In Peter’s mind, Jesus knew everything, and after all, how could he say he loved Jesus after all this? And the question was even more pointed, “Peter do you love me more than these” (these- like the disciples)? In this probing question, Jesus used the word “love.” Jesus' usage of the word “love,” is the word agapao; the highest form of love of the will, love that implies total commitment (1 Cor. 13:4-8). MacArthur continues, “Peter, painfully aware of his disobedience and failure, felt too guilty to claim that type of love. The brash pronouncements were a thing of the past; broken and humbled and fully aware that his action precluded him from a believable claim to the highest love. Peter answered by using the word phileo, a less lofty term that signifies affection. He also appealed to Jesus’ omniscience, reminding Him, “You know that I love you.”[2] Or saying, “Jesus you know my real heart.” Jesus replied, “Tend My lambs.” He meant to watch over my flock or Serve Me. This is a term used by herdsmen who take care of the flock and feed them. Jesus recommissioned Peter at this time. He received a second chance. He cleared his slate from debt, and now put him in charge.
I never heard the person I was apologizing to ever use a different name for me when he restored me. Maybe he was thinking it at the time though. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have interrupted me a few times. One thing was clear after our meeting, the problem was settled and forgiven. I was the Peter in the story. I got a second chance at friendship with this person. I always have respected the way he handled the situation in the end. It was true forgiveness.
[1] (John MacArthur, 2006). 401.
[2] Ibid.