Two Fires

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” — John 21:17 This passage echoes a couple of earlier scenes in the story of Jesus and his disciples. On the night Jesus was arrested, while Peter crouched for warmth by a fire in the high priest’s courtyard, he was asked three times by some of the people there if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. And he denied Jesus each time (John 18:15-27). In our reading today we find another fire—this one for cooking a breakfast of fresh fish. And here, as Jesus had done when he had first met Peter and the others fishing (Luke 5:4-7), he has just directed the disciples to catch a boatload of fish. Like bookends, these two catches of fish and two fires highlight Peter’s calling and his being forgiven. And the story doesn’t end with forgiveness. After breakfast, Jesus challenges Peter with a razor-sharp question: “Peter, do you love me more than these [other disciples]?” “Lord, you know I do,” Peter insists. Jesus asks and Peter answers three times. Three affirmations for three denials. And with each one Jesus tells Peter to care for his sheep. As it was with Peter, our being made right with God is not our happy ending. It’s our new beginning. Do you love Jesus with all your heart? If you do, Jesus calls you to feed his lambs and take care of his sheep. Wherever we live, we can help with tending God’s flock, his people bought with the precious blood of Jesus. Jesus, our good shepherd, you have provided all that we need. Lead us to love and serve everyone around us. Amen.