As you begin your scripture reading, consider last week’s scriptures and return to any that are staying with you. Or, once again take time to read and consider the scripture below.
Listen to the Audio
John 21:15-19 Jesus talks with Peter—the same Peter who denied knowing him 3 times (John 18:15-27). Astonishingly, Jesus asks Peter to take care of his “sheep.”
Presence: Be still before God, repeating “Here I am LORD” or, any phrase to center yourself before God.
Read John 21:15-19 twice: once silently and once audibly.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Gospel Contemplation
Jesus appeared to his disciples on the shore of Galilee, after the resurrection. After helping them haul a full net of fish, he sits with them around a fire, eating fish and talking with them. Peter has already been forgiven, and Christ calling Peter beyond himself—to care for his followers: “feed my sheep.” How do you respond to this story? We often think we are unable to help others, since we carry the weight of the guilt from sin. Jesus forgives us completely! Offer your prayer of confession and trust Jesus to forgive you. You will be free from all guilt!
Jesus will work in you and through you. Jesus calls you beyond yourself—for the sake of others. How will you pray? Can you see yourself as Peter, talking with Jesus, sitting on the shore? How is Jesus calling you beyond yourself?
Journal how this prayer time has impacted you and how you wish to do life. Amen.
Journal your prayer and experience of this time.