In the first part of this chapter Jesus began with a question that revealed the disciples’ poverty (v. 5), and then he gave a series of commands (vv. 6, 10, 12). So also now he questions Peter and then gives a command, and he does so three times. His question is extremely searching, indeed, it is the ultimate question in life: do you truly love me more than these? (v. 15). What does these refer to? Peter replies, Yes, Lord, . . . you know that I love you (v. 15). He does not claim to love Jesus more than the others do, which suggests he has benefited from having reflected on his shameful denials of the Lord. This response is typical of true discipleship, for it is humble and focuses on the Lord’s own knowledge. Peter was not boastful when Jesus gave him the opportunity to be (v. 15), but by the third time Jesus asks whether he loves him, Peter is hurt, that is, deeply grieved. Jesus’ asking three times recalls the three denials, and Peter’s pride is cut to the quick. Here we see the Great Physician performing painful but necessary surgery. The light is shining in the darkness of Peter’s heart, bringing life. In response to this searing third question, Peter says, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you (v. 17). Peter is dying to self and finding his confidence only in the Lord. It is the Lord who knows (cf. 1:42, 47-48; 2:25). Despite the appearances, Peter does love Jesus.
After each profession of love Jesus gives a similar command, using different words. First he is to feed lambs; then he is to shepherd sheep. This pattern suggests we have a comprehensive image of shepherding, a very familiar figure of speech for leadership over God’s people. God himself was known as the shepherd of Israel, and under him the leaders of his people were known as shepherds. This motif continues in the New Testament. Jesus himself is the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:1-18), and now he commissions Peter to care for the flock that belongs to Jesus, for they are my lambs . . . my sheep. The community has already been established, and now Peter is given authority, though of a particular kind.
The key qualification for this task is a love for Jesus that is characterized by humility, dependence and obedience. Peter already had a devotion to Jesus, but he was still full of self will and was thrusting himself to the front. Such a proud attitude of heart would spell disaster for the community. But Peter himself learned his lesson, as is clear from his first letter. When he addresses the elders of the communities he does so as a “fellow elder” and encourages them to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers . . . not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Pet 5:1-4). Here is authority exercised in humility and conscious of the Chief Shepherd. Such are marks of a true shepherd.
Jesus has been teaching Peter many lessons in this encounter on the beach, but in what follows it is clear that Peter has more to learn. Peter has had his attention fixed on Jesus ever since the Beloved Disciple told him the person on the beach was Jesus, but now he takes his eyes off Jesus and looks at the Beloved Disciple, who is following. Apparently Jesus and Peter have had this conversation while walking along the beach. The Beloved Disciple is identified as the one who leaned against Jesus and asked who would betray him. In response Jesus speaks strong words to Peter. Peter’s old habit of lapsing into error right after experiencing truth is still present. He is sure of the Lord’s knowledge, but he has not learned what submission to his will entails. In this Peter learns the lesson that Jesus wants him to get: Leadership in the Christian community comes from Love. The one who loves the most serves the most.