Love That Shepherd

“When they had finished breakfast, Yeshua said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?“ “Yes, Lord, he said to Him, “You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs!” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Take care of My sheep!” He said to him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him for a third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You!” Yeshua said to him, “Feed My sheep!” - John 21:15-17 TLV.

In Gospel of John 21:15–17, we are invited into a deeply personal and transformative exchange between Yeshua and Peter—an encounter that moves beyond failure into restoration.

After breakfast by the sea, Yeshua turns to Peter and asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” It is a piercing yet compassionate question. Not long before, Peter had confidently declared that even if others fell away, he would remain faithful. Yet in the courtyard, fear overcame him, and he denied his Master three times. Now, beside another charcoal fire, Yeshua gently brings Peter back to that moment—not to condemn him, but to heal him.

Three times the question is asked. Three times Peter affirms his love. With each confession, Yeshua responds with a commission: “Feed My lambs… Take care of My sheep…Feed My sheep.” Love and leadership are inseparable. Affection for the Messiah must overflow into responsibility for His people. The proof of Peter’s love would not be bold claims, but faithful shepherding.

Notice that Yeshua does not revisit the details of Peter’s denial. He does not lecture him about his weakness. Instead, He entrusts him with greater care. Grace does not merely forgive; it restores purpose. The place of deepest failure becomes the place of renewed calling.

This passage reveals something profound: loving Yeshua is not measured by emotion alone, nor by past declarations of loyalty. It is revealed in obedience, humility, and sacrificial service. To love Him is to care for what He loves. To call Him Lord is to accept His assignment.

And then the question turns toward us.

If Yeshua were to look into your eyes and ask, “Do you really love Me? Are you truly My friend?" How would you answer? Would your response be based on words alone or on a life that reflects devotion? Would your love remain when it costs you reputation, comfort, or control? Would your life reflect that love in the way you speak, serve, forgive, and care for others?

The beauty of this passage is that it offers hope. Even if we have stumbled, even if fear or doubt has marked our story, the invitation still stands. This passage also reminds us that true discipleship is rooted in love that serves. Devotion to Messiah is demonstrated through obedience, compassion, and stewardship of what belongs to Him. He still asks. He still restores. He still calls.

The question echoes in every heart willing to listen:

 “Do you love Me?”

And with it comes the calling:

 “Care for what is Mine.