Three times

“The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’”

THE QUESTION

After rising from the dead, Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. How many times did He ask Peter, “Do you love me?”

A) Twice

B) Three times ✓

C) Seven times

D) Twelve times

A closer look

Not long before, Peter had disowned Jesus three times while warming himself by a fire (John 18:15-27). Now, beside another fire on the shore, Jesus gave him three chances to say what was really in his heart: “Lord, you know that I love you” (John 21:15-17).

Jesus didn’t answer with a lecture. He answered with trust, giving Peter a calling: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Peter’s worst night didn’t get the last word.

If you chose “seven times,” you may have been thinking of Peter asking how many times he should forgive (Matthew 18:21), and that’s a wonderful passage too.

That’s the patient love of 1 Corinthians 13, a love that “keeps no record of wrongs,” and it’s the same love Jesus has for you today (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

We hope this helped you grow in God’s Word today. Now head back to your email and tell us how you liked today’s devotional. 🙏