The Period

John 21:17. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

There is something incredibly beautiful at the end of today’s verse. Did you see it?

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

It’s a period. The end of the sentence. A period says, “This sentence is done, on to a new one.” But this period is powerful and poignant.

Jesus is meeting with the disciples after his resurrection. Peter had denied Christ three times during the night of his trial, and also proved he wasn’t great with a sword. The shame must have been unbearable. I’m sure there were some who secretly loved that the hotshot Peter gotten taken down a few notches.  Seeing Peter doubt how Jesus would feel about him after his failure must have been delicious.

Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Three times Peter answers, “You know that I love you.” Three times Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Have you figured out why the period at the end of verse 17 is beautiful? It’s beautiful because Peter’s failure is not mentioned again in the New Testament. It’s not referred to or mentioned. It’s the end of this sentence, let’s move on.

Here’s the lesson: Failure isn’t fatal. God can forgive and restore, and he will, if you ask. Isn’t it time to add a period to your life?

Today’s Readings: Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21