Jesus Reinstates Peter

April 23, 2023 Background Scripture: John 21: 15 - 25 Lesson Passage: John 21: 15 - 19 When we act based on what we believe to be in our best interest, it is difficult to apologize for doing so. Even when we know we were wrong for our actions, or words, apologizing can still be very difficult. I am not referring to the words "I'm sorry." Speaking words is easy. Having those words be in harmony with our innermost emotions is difficult. Deep down inside of us we know the likelihood of repeating our actions given the same set of circumstances. If we are willing to repeat it, then we are not sorry for our actions, or words, in the past. We might still say "I'm sorry" so the offended person feels better. Speaking insincere words doesn't work when God is the One offended, or slighted. God knows our innermost thoughts and emotions. God knows when there is no harmony between our words and our thoughts, or emotions. Put another way, God knows when we have no remorse. With God, we are either sorry for our actions or not. And He knows when our words don't match our thoughts. Peter was in a difficult situation in today's text. Peter was told beforehand that he was going to fail a character test of loyalty. Peter adamantly denied that he would ever fail a test of his loyalty, and even made himself look superior to the other disciples in his denial. When he failed miserably, the Lord looked at him and Peter was embarrassed. As Peter and Jesus walked on the shore after breakfast, Jesus asked him if he loved Him more than the others. This was a stark reminder that Peter claimed that his loyalty to Jesus was superior to the other disciples. We need to refer to the Greek language to understand the conversation between Jesus and Peter, The Greek language uses several words that are translated "love" in the English language. Two of those Greek words are used in today's text. (The fact that several Greek words are translated as "love" in the English language shows the limitation of the English language in properly expressing Greek thought.) "Agape" means a divine love that is motivated by the needs of the one who is loved. Agape is an act of the will of the one who loves, and one finds joy in expressing it. "Phileo" means the love between friends, or to befriend. In today's text, Jesus used the word "agape" the first two times He questioned Peter. Peter responded by using the word "phileo". The third time Jesus used the word "phileo" and so did Peter. In English, it would be like Jesus asking about being "loved" and Peter responding that he "likes" Him. This conversation is a case of two individuals having two different conversations about the same topic. Regardless of whether Peter could show the determination, or the will, to commit to "agape" or not, Jesus still made His request known to Peter. I believe Peter experienced what all Christians experience. Our relationship with Christ causes us to confront our true character. And when we do that, we are reminded that we were lost and needed to be saved. We could never become what God intends for us to be without the grace of God delivering us from our hopeless situation and restoring us to the place where He wants us to be. Jesus had declared that He had given Peter the keys along with the authority to open the door to salvation for others. Jesus restored Peter to the proper relationship with Him so Peter would again demonstrate the boldness to live up to his calling. The salvation of the Jewish people would hinge on Peter's first sermon. Gentiles would be brought into that same salvation through Peter's preaching at the house of Cornelius. Peter failed a character test that would have disqualified him for such a task, but Jesus reinstated Peter. Robert C. Hudson April 1, 2023