Thread by @SamObiWon

In John 21:18-19, Jesus reveals to Peter how his life will end. Yes, there is a prediction of martyrdom, but there is more that is often missed. (Sermon notes🧵)

In Peter's earlier journey as a disciple, he wanted prominence and to prove himself to Jesus and the others. 1/

It makes sense that he would see himself as the one who would never abandon Jesus, even attempting to protect Jesus by the sword.

But the trifold denial of Jesus on the ight of Jesus' arrest broke Peter and crushed his sense of identity as a leader. 2/

When Jesus graciously and tenderly restores Peter, he asks him 3 times if Peter loves Jesus so he can repair the 3 denials.
Note that Jesus asks twice if Peter agapan loves him but Peter twice responds that he philein loves him. (Yes, these are somewhat interchangeable terms) 3/

But the third time Jesus asks Peter if he philein loves him and Peter again responds that he does philein love Jesus.

This is not Jesus lowering the bar or changing the standard. This is Jesus gently meeting Peter where he is. Peter can't bring himself to say agapan. 4/

But Jesus indeed knows all things and is fine with Peter's philein love. He even says so the third time he asks. I love the grace & tenderness Jesus shows in this subtle change of words.

Now back to the prediction or martyrdom...
Now in a most beautiful show of restoration... 5/

Peter will eventually end up doing what he had always aspired to do - give his life for his beloved Lord. But also note that Peter started out brash (when he was younger, he tucked his garments, meaning he girded himself for action and went where he pleased). 6/

Now he will be led to his death, and in this lowly end, Peter ends up more like Jesus than he could ever have imagined. Like Jesus, he gives his life willingly and dies as Jesus did.

Finally, note that Jesus' restoration of Peter was centered on being a shepherd. 7/

It was not focused on prominence or power, but on a new life of service for the sake of God's people - the flock. Jesus again called Peter to "follow me" but now he will follow in Jesus' footsteps as a good shepherd, who plays down even his life for his sheep. 8/

How beautiful that in a kintsugi like manner, Jesus repairs and restores his broken rock and Peter becomes a humble shepherd who lays down his life for Jesus.
Peter becomes all he ever wanted to be, but in ways he never imagined. This is our Jesus who makes all things new. /End