John 21:15 – Do You Love Me More Than These?
Quick Summary
In John 21:15, the risen Jesus turns to Peter beside a charcoal fire and asks, “Do you love me more than these?” This is no casual question—it’s a moment of restoration and recommissioning. The same Peter who denied Jesus three times now hears his Lord’s voice calling him back into fellowship and service. The question cuts to the heart of discipleship: love for Christ above all else.
Introduction
After the resurrection, Jesus meets his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. They’ve returned to fishing—a return, perhaps, to what felt safe and familiar after failure. Jesus, standing on the shore, calls them to cast their nets once more and fills them with fish. Then, over breakfast, he turns to Peter. The air is thick with memory. The charcoal fire recalls the one in the high priest’s courtyard where Peter had denied knowing Jesus. Now Jesus recreates the scene—not to humiliate, but to heal.
Jesus’ question—“Do you love me more than these?”—is deeply personal and deeply theological. It’s about love, leadership, and restoration. It’s about how divine grace rewrites failure into faithfulness.
Historical and Theological Context
Peter’s story is central to understanding early Christian leadership. Once impulsive and outspoken, he had declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not” (Mark 14:29). Yet within hours, he denied Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Peter’s failure still lingers. Jesus addresses it not with rebuke but with renewal. This scene marks Peter’s reinstatement as shepherd of the flock—a role that anticipates his later ministry in Acts.
Theologically, this exchange also reveals the essence of discipleship. The Christian life begins and ends with love—love for Christ that expresses itself in care for others. Jesus does not ask Peter about doctrine, skill, or courage. He asks about love. Only love can sustain ministry; only love can turn sinners into shepherds.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
John 21:15 – “Do you love me more than these?”
Jesus’ question references Peter’s earlier boast: “Even if all fall away, I will not.” The words “more than these” could point to Peter’s fellow disciples or to the fishing gear scattered around him. Either way, Jesus is probing Peter’s heart. Do you love me more than your companions, your calling, your comfort? The question forces Peter to confront the root of his failure—self-confidence without surrender.
The word Jesus uses for love here is agapaō—a love of commitment and sacrifice. Peter replies with phileō—a love of friendship and affection. Perhaps Peter hesitates to claim unconditional love after his denial. Jesus accepts this humble confession and begins his restoration there.
“Feed my lambs.”
Jesus doesn’t simply forgive; he commissions. “Feed my lambs” entrusts Peter with pastoral care. The image recalls Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). Now that identity extends to his disciples. Love for Christ must express itself in love for Christ’s people. Forgiveness and vocation are inseparable—grace always gives a mission.
John 21:16 – “Do you love me?”
Jesus asks again, dropping the comparison “more than these.” This repetition deepens the encounter. Each question mirrors one of Peter’s denials. Love must be reaffirmed where failure once spoke. Again, Peter replies with phileō. He is no longer boasting; he is honest. Repentance doesn’t exaggerate devotion—it tells the truth about it. Jesus responds, “Tend my sheep.” The verb changes slightly, suggesting not just feeding but guiding, protecting, and nurturing the flock.
John 21:17 – “Do you love me?” (the third time)
This time Jesus adopts Peter’s word—phileō. It’s as if he meets Peter where he is, accepting his human love and sanctifying it. Peter grieves that Jesus asks a third time. But grief is the door to grace. Each answer—“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you”—undoes a previous denial. Then Jesus says again, “Feed my sheep.” Repetition seals restoration. Love proven through obedience becomes the measure of discipleship.
John 21:18–19 – “Follow me.”
Jesus concludes by foretelling Peter’s future martyrdom: “When you are old, you will stretch out your hands…” The one who once feared death will one day face it with courage. Love will carry Peter further than zeal ever did. The final command, “Follow me,” echoes the first words Jesus ever spoke to Peter. Grace brings the story full circle.
Theological Significance and Implications
This passage captures the heart of Christian theology—redemption through love. Peter’s restoration illustrates that God’s grace is greater than our worst failure. Jesus doesn’t minimize sin; he transforms it. The fallen fisherman becomes the rock upon which Christ builds his church (Matthew 16:18).
Moreover, this moment reveals Jesus as both Shepherd and Lord. The Good Shepherd entrusts his flock to human hands, yet remains its ultimate guardian. In commissioning Peter, Jesus inaugurates the pastoral ministry of the church. To love Christ is to serve his people.
John’s Gospel consistently presents love as the test of true discipleship (John 13:34–35; 15:9–17). Here, love becomes both the source and the standard of Christian vocation. Ministry without love is hollow; love without service is incomplete. The two belong together.
Meaning for Today
Jesus’ question—“Do you love me?”—still echoes in every believer’s heart. It’s not a demand for perfection, but for affection. It’s the question that follows every failure, calling us back to faithfulness. Like Peter, we may have moments of denial, doubt, or distraction. Yet Christ’s invitation remains: love me, follow me, feed my sheep.
In a world where success often matters more than sincerity, Jesus reminds us that the foundation of faith is love. Not flawless love, but love that keeps returning. Our pasts don’t disqualify us; they prepare us. The one who has been forgiven much loves much (Luke 7:47). And through that love, the church continues to feed the world with grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jesus ask Peter three times if he loves him?
Each question mirrors Peter’s three denials, offering him complete restoration. Jesus replaces shame with service.
What does “more than these” refer to?
It may refer to the disciples, the fishing nets, or Peter’s old life. Whatever the case, Jesus calls Peter to love him above all else.
Why does Jesus use two different Greek words for love?
Jesus first uses agapaō (sacrificial love), while Peter responds with phileō (affectionate love). On the third question, Jesus adopts Peter’s term, meeting him where he is.
What does it mean to “feed my sheep”?
It signifies pastoral care—nourishing, guiding, and protecting the community of believers. Love for Jesus is proven through care for his people.
What is the significance of Peter’s restoration for believers today?
It shows that failure isn’t final. Jesus transforms regret into renewed purpose.
Works Consulted
Raymond E. Brown, The Gospel According to John (AYB, Vol. 29A), pp. 1096–1103.
D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (PNTC), pp. 670–676.
Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John: A Commentary, Vol. 2, pp. 1230–1238.
Gail R. O’Day, John (NIB, Vol. 9), pp. 865–868.
Andreas J. Köstenberger, John (BECNT), pp. 579–585
