Tag: john 21

In John 21:1-19, Jesus asks Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Why would he ask Peter this question? And, why three times? This question refers back to a previous passage we read on Palm Sunday, and reveals the overwhelming compassion and mercy of Jesus toward Peter, and toward all of us. In the reading from Palm Sunday, Jesus told Peter that Peter will be "sifted like wheat," to which Peter responds, somewhat arrogantly, "Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you!" Jesus comments that Peter would deny knowing him three times before the cock crows that very day.