Jesus Restores Peter — John 21:15–19 — Bible Stories

John

Jesus Restores Peter — John 21:15–19

Overview

After the resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him and commands him to feed His sheep. This scene restores Peter after his denial and recommissions him for service.

Details

Key KJV PassageJohn 21:17 — “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”

Main CharactersJesus, Peter, and the disciples.

Lesson / ThemeChrist restores repentant servants and calls love to become faithful service.

Connection to ChristJesus is the shepherd who restores and sends His under-shepherds to care for His flock.

Memory VerseJohn 21:17.

Discussion QuestionsWhy did Jesus ask Peter three times? How was Peter restored? What does it mean to feed Christ’s sheep?

Verse Selections

✎ John 21:15, 16, 17, 18, 19 5 verses

(15) So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

(16) He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

(17) He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

(18) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

(19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.