Lord, thou knowest all things

This response by Peter to the Lord’s thrice-repeated question, ‘Lovest thou me?’ reflected a reluctance in this once-confident and outspoken leader of the apostles. Unlike previously, he was now hesitant to enthusiastically declare his undying devotion, in the light of his recent failures. His perfunctory response seemed to dutifully acknowledge the implications of the question. Yes, he was aware of the gravity of his offence as he warmed himself by the opposition’s fire. And yes, He was grateful that he had been forgiven, both privately, 1 Cor. 15. 5, and now publicly in the presence of his brethren. Certainly, these were some of the ‘things’ that he understood the Lord knew. But the soul-piercing questions, repeated for emphasis, made him uneasy and left him uncomfortable. He was now being made to think through the issue. His past failures did not excuse or exempt him from responding to the call to full commitment, despite his own personal misgivings. It should not for us either.

As with Mary at the tomb, His questions were diagnostic, designed by the Good Shepherd to stir up Peter’s conscience and provoke divinely-appointed responsibilities. Previously, he had boasted self-assuredly, ‘Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended’, Matt. 26. 33. He would soon learn the anguish of acting in the strength of self-confidence. His answer to each of the Lord’s questions, ‘Lord, thou knowest that I love thee’ was correct, but weak, John 21. 15, 16, and simply accentuated his own personal doubt and reservation. But the gifts and calling of God are without repentance and Peter was learning the magnitude and extent of that calling. It is the process which is begun by the One who called us by His own glory and virtue, who will continue to manifest those qualities working in us what is well-pleasing in His sight, Heb. 13. 20, 21. Peter had been in desperate need of restoration. He was now in need of a fresh revelation - a revelation that extended beyond salvation and personal restoration to a renewed motivation for faithful service. It was not based on personal strength and self-resolve, but on the gentle but strengthening hand of the Bishop and Overseer of our souls.