When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
—John 21:15-19

~~~~~

A Fisherman’s Guide to the Feeding of Sheep
By Jennifer Kane

They went back to the sea—
not to run,
but maybe to remember
how it all began.

Peter said, “I’m going fishing,”
and the others followed,
oars cutting through the dark
as memory stirred beneath the waves.

All night—
nets empty,
hope thin.

Then a voice from the shore
cut through the morning haze:
“Try the right side.”

They cast again—
and the net groaned
with the weight of grace.

John saw Him first.
Peter moved first.
Some recognize.
Some run.
Both belong.

He swam, soaked in shame and longing,
toward a Savior already cooking breakfast
on coals of mercy.

Fish. Bread.
A meal for the tired.
A table set by pierced hands.
Jesus, still serving.

Then—three questions,
like echoes in a courtyard,
reaching into the place of denial.

“Simon… do you love Me?”

Once.
Twice.
A third time—
each one peeling back the layers
of guilt, of grief,
until Peter’s heart
stood bare before his Lord.

Not to crush—
but to call.

“Feed My lambs.
Tend My sheep.
Feed My sheep.”

From fish to flock,
from net to staff,
from failure to faithfulness.

This is how shepherds are made:
not by strength,
but by surrender.

And the net—
miraculously full,
yet unbroken—
still waits in the boat,
a quiet witness
to a love that restores
and sends again.


~~~~~

Scripture: John 21:1-25

After the resurrection, Jesus told His disciples to go to the Sea of Galilee—and they obeyed. Once there, Peter, still seen as a leader among them, decided to go fishing. Perhaps it was a step backward into his old life, or perhaps it was simply a practical need to provide food. Either way, the others followed.

They fished all night and caught nothing. Tired, discouraged, and far from shore, they likely weren’t looking for anything miraculous. But then Jesus appeared—unrecognized at first, as often happens when our hearts are weary or distracted. He called out, instructing them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. Once again, they obeyed, and once again, obedience brought abundance: 153 large fish, too many for them to haul in. The net didn’t break—a miracle in itself.

John, the one known for his closeness to Jesus, was the first to recognize Him. But it was Peter—the impulsive, passionate disciple—who leapt into the water and swam to shore. The one who had denied Jesus three times now could not wait another moment to be with Him.

On shore, they found Jesus already had fish and bread prepared. Though risen, glorified, and reigning, He still served them breakfast. What a tender glimpse of Christ’s heart! He doesn’t just command us—He cares for us.

Then came the restoration. Jesus addressed Peter not by his new name but by his old one: “Simon.” Three times Jesus asked him, “Do you love Me?” In English, it sounds repetitive. But in Greek, the nuance is deeply personal and revealing:

First: “Do you love (agape) Me more than these?”
Peter: “You know I love (phileo) You.”

Second: “Do you love (agape) Me?”
Peter: “Yes, Lord, You know I love (phileo) You.”

Third: “Do you love (phileo) Me?”
Peter, grieved: “Lord, You know all things. You know I love (phileo) You.”

Jesus met Peter where he was. He gave him room to repent, and more than that—He restored and recommissioned him: “Feed My sheep.” He reminded Peter that love for Jesus must lead to action—serving others, even when it costs everything.

This chapter closes with a powerful affirmation: “There are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books…” (John 21:25). Jesus is beyond full comprehension. Yet, in this moment by the sea, we see His heart: He meets the fallen, feeds the weary, calls the willing, and restores the broken.

Are you fishing in old waters when Jesus is calling you to something new?
Are you willing to obey even when you’re tired or unsure?
Is there a place where Jesus is gently asking, “Do you love Me?”—inviting you to deeper surrender?

Today, take time to sit with Jesus in prayer. Let Him restore what is broken. Don’t hide your failures—He already knows. And like Peter, allow His love to recommission you into service. Love Him not just in word, but in action.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, Thank You for meeting me where I am, even when I feel tired, distant, or unworthy. You are patient with my failures and faithful in Your love. Like Peter, I want to love You not only in word, but in how I live. Restore what is broken in me, and help me to follow You wholeheartedly. Teach me to obey, to serve, and to feed Your sheep with the love You’ve shown me. In Your name I pray, Amen.

July 16 2025