John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 17, Day 3

Prayer

Pause for a moment of quiet and stillness. To center yourself fully, take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Repeat this process three times. Ask God to open your eyes to the amazing truths in His word today.

Bible Reading: John 21:15-17

Read these verses three times slowly.

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.”

Reflection & Questions

We reach a poignant moment in chapter 21, where Jesus and Peter “clear the air” regarding Peter’s denial. It would have been an “elephant in the room” of their interactions up to this point, and Jesus gracefully restores Peter.

“Do you love me more than these?” Jesus asks Peter. It’s not for sure what the “these” are that Jesus is referring to. Some believe it was the other disciples. Some believe it was the fish (meaning, being a fisherman). In some ways it doesn’t matter, for what Jesus is getting at, is “Am I first in your life, Peter? Do you love me the most?” Peter responds in the affirmative. Jesus asks him three times, a symbolic way of undoing the three times Peter denied Jesus. And three times Peter affirms his love. And three times Jesus says, “feed my sheep,” restoring Peter to the mission he had been called to, to reach the world for Jesus.

The grace of Jesus is amazing. He holds no bitterness against Peter for having denied Him when He was in his greatest hour of suffering. He has forgiven Peter and now He helps Peter get back on track. This is our God, the one who loves us and forgives us. Let your heart revel in his grace and love!

1. What strikes you in this story about Jesus restoring Peter? Why?
2. Is Jesus first in your life? How do you know?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

Bible Reading Plan Pausing

The Bible Reading Plan will be paused after this week until August, but don’t worry, there are plenty of great resources for you to continue your Bible reading. You can check out previous Bible reading plans on our app or website. There are also a multitude of Bible reading plans on The Bible App. You can also check out RightNow Media, which has been dubbed “the Netflix of Bible Studies.” This is a free resource to all Crossroadians.

---

Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.

Questions?