John 21 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

John spends a great amount of effort at the end here affirming Peter's redemption. I think the purpose is multi-faceted. It shows the attitude of Jesus toward the disciple that denied Him thrice and offers redemption that even for those that had denied Jesus in times past that there would be the possibility of restoration. I, however, want to zero in on a theme that has existed all throughout the book of John and even extends into John's epistles. That is the theme of love.

Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter affirms that he does. The conversation does not stop there. When we see repetition as we do in this passage, our ears should perk up. We should be reading with eyes to see and listening with ears to hear. Jesus does not immediately go back to asking if Peter loves Him. Jesus is not exclusively concerned with Peter's affection toward Himself. He is concerned with the results of love. Jesus is teaching an important lesson here. If you say you love Jesus, you will obey His commands. His command is to feed the sheep; take care of the flock.

Love, as John has laid it out, is both an affection and an action. Jesus lived in such a way that He was concerned with what the Father was concerned about. He loved the Father and His love was obvious by also loving what the Father loved. Jesus is instructing Peter that the result of his love for the Lord is to be followed through on loving what the Lord loves, His sheep. Peter is both facing redemption and restoration. He is being given authority over the flock.

The lesson ultimately remains that Jesus is outlining what love for Him truly looks like. He also demonstrates how He loves, redeems, and restores.

What lesson are you seeing?