I also had never noticed that Jesus restores Peter at a campfire. Warming himself at a campfire is where we see Peter deny Jesus three times. I don’t understand the significance but have NO doubt that Jesus chose the location of the restoration with purpose and intention! It gives me hope that I can be restored in the “place” of my greatest failing — and that Jesus does it with such love and intimacy to draw us in to himself. Rarely do we experience such agape love in life. I’m filled with such longing this morning to experience His self-sacrificing love
I’ve heard it taught that the thrice statement to “feed my sheep” was Jesus’ way of restoring Peter’s three denials. Not sure if that’s the case but it seems to make sense.
I also wonder: when Jesus used the phrase “led where you do not want to go” did Peter understand that meant to the cross? Or was that not reveled to him until it was upon him?
Yes to the first part. The threefold commissioning matches the threefold denial. And that’s a good question. I doubt he understood exactly, but the cross is what imperial power tended to do after they had arrested someone and led them away, so I think it’s likely that possibility was there in his mind.
I found it intriguing that after Jesus resurrection, these disciples go back to way they knew: fishing! Maybe it’s a necessity or maybe a comfort that they can engage in something they feel a certainty about. They had to be puzzled and perhaps discouraged that Jesus has told them he will no longer be with them physically. I love that Jesus is there in their midst watching from shore and they don’t recognize his presence at first. It’s a great reminder to me that even in my mundane, even when I go back to the familiar and comfortable in my uncertainty, he is there — perhaps preparing a “meal” of which I have no clue its nourishment and the intimacy he provides until I sit with him and eat!
I also had never noticed that Jesus restores Peter at a campfire. Warming himself at a campfire is where we see Peter deny Jesus three times. I don’t understand the significance but have NO doubt that Jesus chose the location of the restoration with purpose and intention! It gives me hope that I can be restored in the “place” of my greatest failing — and that Jesus does it with such love and intimacy to draw us in to himself. Rarely do we experience such agape love in life. I’m filled with such longing this morning to experience His self-sacrificing love
That's a great point, Deirdre! The campfire is another parallel that connects the two scenes. Great observation!
I’ve heard it taught that the thrice statement to “feed my sheep” was Jesus’ way of restoring Peter’s three denials. Not sure if that’s the case but it seems to make sense.
I also wonder: when Jesus used the phrase “led where you do not want to go” did Peter understand that meant to the cross? Or was that not reveled to him until it was upon him?
Yes to the first part. The threefold commissioning matches the threefold denial. And that’s a good question. I doubt he understood exactly, but the cross is what imperial power tended to do after they had arrested someone and led them away, so I think it’s likely that possibility was there in his mind.
I found it intriguing that after Jesus resurrection, these disciples go back to way they knew: fishing! Maybe it’s a necessity or maybe a comfort that they can engage in something they feel a certainty about. They had to be puzzled and perhaps discouraged that Jesus has told them he will no longer be with them physically. I love that Jesus is there in their midst watching from shore and they don’t recognize his presence at first. It’s a great reminder to me that even in my mundane, even when I go back to the familiar and comfortable in my uncertainty, he is there — perhaps preparing a “meal” of which I have no clue its nourishment and the intimacy he provides until I sit with him and eat!
Yes, I love this! Even in our mundane, he is there!