Sermon: Restored by Grace

Sermon Date: 5/4/2025

Bible Verses: John 21:15-19

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

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.” He said to him a second time, “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.” “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

1. A Personal Conversation (vv. 15–17)

Jesus pulls Peter aside—not to shame him, but to restore him. Three times Peter denied Jesus before the crucifixion. Now, Jesus gives him three opportunities to affirm his love.

• Jesus doesn’t call him “Peter” (the Rock), but “Simon, son of John.” This reminds Peter of his humanity, his weakness—but also his potential.
• The question Jesus asks is simple: “Do you love me?” He doesn't ask, “Will you be perfect from now on?” or “Why did you fail me?”—He asks for love.

This is the heart of discipleship. Love for Jesus is the foundation. Not talent. Not success. Not knowledge. Just love.

Greek Words for Love in John 21:15–17

There are two primary Greek words used in this exchange:

1. Agapao (ἀγαπάω) — Often refers to selfless, unconditional, sacrificial love. It’s the kind of love associated with divine love — the way God loves humanity.
2. Phileo (φιλέω) — Refers to brotherly love, affection, or friendship love — the love of deep companionship and emotional closeness.

Now let’s walk through the conversation:

Verse 15

“Simon, son of John, do you agapao me more than these?” Peter responds: “Yes, Lord, you know that I phileo you.” Jesus says: “Feed my lambs.”

• Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him with deep, sacrificial love — agape.
• Peter, perhaps still aware of his past failure, responds with a more modest: “You know I love you like a friend.”
• He might not feel worthy to claim “agape” yet.

Verse 16

Jesus said again, “Simon, son of John, do you agapao me?” Peter said, “Yes, Lord; you know that I phileo you.” Jesus said: “Tend my sheep.”

• Jesus repeats the same high-level love word: agapao.
• Peter again humbly responds with phileo — expressing sincere affection but perhaps still not confident enough to claim full devotion.

Verse 17

Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you phileo me?” Peter was grieved… and said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I phileo you.” Jesus said: “Feed my sheep.”

• This time, Jesus meets Peter where he is and switches to phileo.
• Peter is grieved—not because Jesus doubts him, but because He asks a third time (echoing the three denials) and because Jesus lowers the word.
• It's as if Jesus says, “Peter, are you even my friend?” And Peter’s answer is heartfelt: “Lord, you know I am.”

What Does This Mean?

1. Jesus meets us in our weakness He doesn’t demand that Peter match Him word for word. He accepts Peter’s honest heart.
2. Lo