Much has been said about this conversation and walk on the beach between Peter and Jesus. And rightfully so as it’s a meaningful and insightful interaction. Often, the first part of the conversation (loveX3) is seen as a private one, but there’s no indication that their walk began prior to Jesus saying, “Follow me.” We might imagine these restorative words being said in front of the other six disciples who were there. (It might be notable that Jesus sat for a whole meal with Peter before he spoke these words.)
The latter part of the conversation - when it does appear Jesus and Peter are walking along, with another following them - is a challenge to our desires to make life with Jesus the same for everyone. It defies carbon-copying of the path of discipleship. It rejects the institutionalization of salvation. While the gospel of John (and the Johanine epistles) place great emphasis on community and love, here Jesus draws out just how contextually individualized discipleship can be.
What’s that to you? You must follow me.
John 21:15-25
When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.”
Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the one who had leaned against Jesus at the meal and asked him, “Lord, who is going to betray you?” When Peter saw this disciple, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you? You must follow me.” Therefore, the word spread among the brothers and sisters that this disciple wouldn’t die. However, Jesus didn’t say he wouldn’t die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what difference does that make to you?” This is the disciple who testifies concerning these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If all of them were recorded, I imagine the world itself wouldn’t have enough room for the scrolls that would be written.
Prayer
God,
Do you find our discipleship efforts silly? Like when we make lists of questions for consideration or try to apply a passage of scripture? (Like…the stuff written above?) I just wonder if our educational formations that demand particular ways of the ingestion of ideas are misplaced.
And yet, God, you want us to - and we want to - be close to Jesus. I also don’t think this stuff works all by happenstance, without intentionality.
So help me, God: let me see Jesus. Help me hear his Way for my life. Beyond that, challenge me to his ways as I interact with others, grow with others, and learn with others. Even further, make it more than mind-matter. Extend my desire from my heart to my hands.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.