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Listen
to the Word When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord,"
he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
(John 21:15)
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If there was anybody who had mixed emotions about the resurrection of
Jesus, it was Peter. Just before Jesus' death, Peter failed
miserably. He denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had
predicted. No doubt Peter's excitement at seeing Jesus alive was
tempered by embarrassment at having to face the One he had
disappointed. But the risen Jesus called Peter aside for a
One-on-one conference. He gave him three opportunities to affirm
his love for Jesus, once for each denial. And He told Peter that
He still had important work for him to do.
Jesus wanted to use
Peter in spite of his failure. He gave him a fresh start.
And according to John's Gospel, Jesus' last words to Peter were the same
as the first: "Follow me."
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