Jesus Challenges Peter
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter,
"Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I
love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son
of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I
love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
Once more he asked him, "Simon son of
John, do you love me?"
Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the
question a third time. He said,
"Lord, you know everything.
You know
I love you."
Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. The
truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and
go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch
out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you
don't want to go." Jesus said this to let him know what kind of
death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."