By the Way: Jesus didn’t reject, he restored

By Scott Raible on May 10, 2025.

In John 21, we witness one of the most tender and transformative moments in Scripture – Jesus’ restoration of Peter. After Peter’s threefold denial, Jesus meets him on the shore and asks him, “Do you love Me?” three times. But beneath this familiar question lies something even more profound in the original Greek.

The first time Jesus asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” the word He uses is agape – the highest form of love, a self-sacrificial, divine love. Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You,” but he uses the word phileo – a brotherly, affectionate love. Jesus asks again, using agape, and Peter again replies with phileo. Finally, the third time, Jesus shifts and asks, “Do you phileo Me?” – meeting Peter where he is. And Peter, grieved by the repetition, says, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I phileo You.”

What does this mean for us?

Peter is no longer the self-confident disciple who once declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” His pride has been broken. He now answers with honesty, not bravado. He knows his limits. He loves Jesus, but he is painfully aware that he has not always shown it with agape kind of faithfulness. And Jesus doesn’t reject him – He restores him.

This interaction shows us the heart of Christ. Jesus does not demand perfection before He restores. He meets Peter in his weakness, not with condemnation, but with commissioning. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with a call: “Feed My lambs. Take care of My sheep.” Jesus entrusts His mission not to the flawless, but to the forgiven.

Maybe today, you feel like Peter – ashamed of a past denial, broken by sin, distant from the passion you once had for Christ. Maybe you’ve said, “I love You, Lord,” but failed to live it. Jesus knows. And still, He asks, “Do you love Me?” Not to expose your failure, but to invite your return.

You may only be able to say, “Lord, I phileo You.” That’s OK. Start there. Jesus will meet you at your level of love and grow it.

And just like Peter, your story isn’t over. Jesus doesn’t discard wounded disciples – He restores them and sends them out. The same Peter who faltered would go on to lead the early church, not because of his strength, but because of Jesus’ grace.

So today, if you hear His voice asking, “Do you love Me?” – answer Him. Even if your love feels small, even if it’s still mending. And then, follow Him.

Because restored love is still love. And Jesus is still in the business of restoring disciples.

Scott Raible has served as an ordained minister in Medicine Hat for 20 years and helped launch Christian radio locally through Alive 99.5 and 93.7 Praise FM. Scott can be reached at scottraible@gmail.com.

12
-11