forgiveness

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." (Jn 21.15-17)

For Lent this year we chose the theme of forgiveness for our worship planning. I think we need a lot of it around here. I was thinking on it this morning, as I'm supposed to lead prayer at our small group tonight, and this passage came to mind.

I think it's Jesus' way of saying to Peter that he forgives him. Saying it three times for Peter's three denials. It reminds me of what I wrote a couple years ago, about forgiveness and believing that good can come from that person again. Believing in the possibility of a "new creation." Believing that God can work through this person again, even if we've been disappointed so many times.

Jesus tells Peter to care for his sheep, his followers who would need help and guidance. He trusts that God can work through Peter, even after his denials. That's forgiveness.