The Question Jesus Asks a Broken Man

"When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?'" (Jn 21:15) You may not know this about Jesus- He doesn't wait for us to fix ourselves before He calls us forward. Peter's story doesn't start with courage. It starts with collapse. Two rooster crows. Three denials. A man who swore he'd stand firm falling apart in the moment he thought he'd rise. Most men would hold Peter at a distance- until he proved himself. But Jesus doesn't wait. On a quiet morning by the Sea of Galilee, He cooks breakfast for the man who betrayed Him and asks one question: "Do you love Me?" Not Do you understand what you did? Can you promise it won't happen again? Are you finally strong enough? Just "Do you love Me?" Ponder that for a moment. Just "Do you love Me?" In the kingdom of God, love-not performance- is the doorway back. Then Jesus gives three commands: Feed My lambs. Shepherd My sheep. Feed My sheep. (Jn 21) These words reach back to Ezekiel 34- God Himself promising to shepherd His people. Jesus fulfilled that promise (Jn 10). But here-on this beach- He does something no one expected. This isn't restoration to his past. This is Jesus leading Peter into his future. No looking back. Just looking forward. Reflection Question If Jesus entrusts His mission to a man like Peter, what story am I telling myself to avoid the calling He's placed on my life? What This Means to Me Jesus isn't waiting for a better version of me. He asks if I love Him. My past doesn't define me. My love for Jesus does. Prayer Father, steady my steps in His calling. Make me faithful with what You entrust and bold for what lies ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.