Lord, You Know All Things, You Know That I Love You (John 21:17)
Quick Summary
In John 21:17, Peter, grieved by Jesus’ third question, replies, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” This verse completes Peter’s restoration and reveals the transforming power of divine grace. Jesus meets Peter in his weakness, not to condemn him, but to confirm his calling. Love—imperfect yet sincere—becomes the foundation of ministry and discipleship.
Introduction
The lakeside encounter between Jesus and Peter is among the most tender moments in Scripture. Three times Peter had denied his Lord; now three times he professes love. Each time, Jesus entrusts him with the care of his flock. But by the third question, the wound of remembrance cuts deep. Peter’s grief is not self-pity—it’s the sorrow of someone whose heart has been broken open by grace.
When Peter says, “Lord, you know all things,” he acknowledges both Jesus’ omniscience and his own transparency. Nothing is hidden before Christ—not our failures, not our fears, not even the fragility of our love. What matters is that we bring even our imperfect affection to him in truth.
Historical and Theological Context
This exchange takes place after the resurrection, when Jesus appears to his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is the same setting where Peter’s discipleship began (Luke 5:1–11) and where it is now renewed. Theologically, this moment captures both restoration and commissioning. Jesus’ knowledge of Peter’s heart recalls divine omniscience (“He knew all people,” John 2:24–25) and affirms his intimate lordship.
The phrase “you know all things” (oidas panta) underscores Jesus’ divine insight. This is the same Jesus who knew Nathaniel before they met (John 1:48) and who knew Judas would betray him (John 6:70). Peter appeals not to his own worthiness but to Christ’s perfect knowledge. It’s as if he says, “You know my love is flawed, but you also know it’s real.”
Verse-by-Verse Commentary
John 21:17 – “He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’”
Jesus’ persistence pierces Peter’s soul. The threefold question mirrors Peter’s threefold denial (John 18:17–27). This repetition is not cruelty; it’s healing through remembrance. Each “Do you love me?” reclaims a moment of failure and replaces it with faithfulness. Peter is not merely forgiven—he is recommissioned.
“Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time.”
The word “grieved” (elypēthē) signals deep emotional sorrow. Peter feels the weight of his past betrayal, yet this sorrow is redemptive. True repentance is not despair—it’s the awareness of sin that opens the door to grace. This grief is the seedbed of restored joy.
“Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Peter’s confession reveals both humility and trust. Twice Jesus had used agapaō (sacrificial love), and Peter responded with phileō (affectionate love). On the third question, Jesus uses phileō, meeting Peter where he is. Peter’s reply appeals not to emotion but to divine knowledge. “You know all things”—you know my weakness, my shame, and still, you see the love that remains. In acknowledging Jesus’ omniscience, Peter also confesses his lordship: only God knows the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Feed my sheep.”
For the third time, Jesus commissions Peter to care for his flock. The repetition underscores the permanence of Peter’s call. Forgiveness becomes vocation. Love for Christ translates into tangible service—feeding, tending, guiding the people of God. Peter, once broken by fear, will now shepherd with compassion.
Theological Significance
This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship: our love may falter, but Christ’s love restores. Peter’s words remind believers that Jesus’ knowledge of us is not a threat but a comfort. He knows every flaw and failure and yet continues to entrust us with his work.
Theologically, the scene affirms Jesus’ divine omniscience (“you know all things”) and his intimate relationship with his followers. It also anticipates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who will empower Peter and the other disciples to fulfill their calling (Acts 2). Peter’s ministry will later demonstrate the fruit of this restoration—bold proclamation, pastoral care, and eventual martyrdom.
In church history, Peter’s reinstatement has stood as a paradigm for pastoral restoration and spiritual renewal. Augustine called this passage the triumph of grace over guilt. Chrysostom noted that Peter’s tears did more for the church than his words, for they taught that repentance restores communion with God.
Meaning for Today
Every believer can find themselves in Peter’s story. We have all known moments when our words or actions have denied our deepest convictions. Yet Jesus does not abandon us to our failures. He asks again, “Do you love me?”—not to expose us, but to reclaim us. His omniscient love searches us, not to shame, but to restore.
To say, “Lord, you know all things,” is to surrender pretense. It’s to admit that Jesus knows us completely and loves us still. In a culture obsessed with performance, this truth is liberating. Our call to serve is not grounded in perfection but in grace. We lead, teach, and serve not because we are flawless, but because we have been forgiven.
When we bring our broken love to Christ, he multiplies it into ministry. The Good Shepherd entrusts his flock to those who know what it is to be found.
FAQ
1. Why was Peter grieved when Jesus asked the third time?
Because it reminded him of his three denials. The repetition exposed his failure but also allowed healing through confession and affirmation.
2. What is the significance of Jesus’ use of different Greek words for love?
Jesus first used agapaō (sacrificial love), while Peter answered with phileō (affectionate love). On the third question, Jesus met Peter where he was, using phileō—affirming that honest love, even if imperfect, is accepted and sanctified.
3. What does “You know all things” reveal about Jesus?
It affirms his divine omniscience. Only God truly knows the human heart. Peter recognizes that Jesus’ knowledge extends beyond appearances to the depths of the soul.
4. How does this moment prepare Peter for his future ministry?
Peter’s humility becomes his strength. Knowing grace firsthand enables him to lead with compassion and courage. His later writings reflect this transformation (1 Peter 5:2–3).
5. What does this passage teach modern believers?
That our relationship with Christ is built on truth, not performance. Jesus knows our weaknesses and still calls us to serve. Restoration always precedes responsibility.
