Peter’s Re-Call

On Sunday, November 10 Pastor Todd spoke from the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts on how the disciples followed Jesus’ final three commands to them. They waited in Jerusalem (in prayer). They received the Holy Spirit infilling on the day of Pentecost. They then burst forth to witness to anyone who would listen.

Pastor mentioned there are many patterns of three in Scripture and that our brains see a three-part pattern as completed. I realized that I recently heard another story of the disciples and a three-part pattern.

Last week at Nazarene Discipleship International Leader’s Conference, we heard a message from Rev. Cricket Albertson, a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and Executive Director of Titus Women Ministry. She shared the story in John 21 where Jesus has breakfast with the disciples after his resurrection.

Then Jesus and Peter have a private conversation. Three times Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” Three times Peter answers “Yes, Lord.” Three times Jesus replies, “Feed my sheep.” Remember this is post-resurrection, therefore it is also after Peter denied Jesus three times the night he was arrested.

It was probably painful that day on the beach for Peter to have Jesus question his love three times. But it was also healing to him. It was also a reaffirmation to Peter, as Jesus says to him again, “Follow me!”

I treasure this story in the times when I feel like a failure. Peter was one of Jesus’ closet earthly friends. But on Jesus’ worst night, Peter deserted and denied him. Jesus gently restores Peter with this three-part call. When we see Peter next, he is waiting and praying in the Upper Room. Then, being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter is part of the Early Church that changed the world! May it be so for us.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Michał Mancewicz on Unsplash