Day 21

John 21:17

He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me? Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, Do you love me? And he said to him, Lord, you know everything you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep.

As Jesus restores Peter in John 21, He does something deeply intentional. He does not begin with Peter’s failure. He does not rehearse the denial. He does not ask for an explanation. Instead, Jesus asks a single question three times. Do you love me?

It is striking that Jesus focuses on love rather than behavior. Peter had already proven that effort alone was not enough. In moments of pressure and fear, his strength failed him. But Jesus does not rebuild Peter’s future by correcting his actions. He rebuilds it by addressing his heart.

So often, we want restoration to start with what we do. We promise to try harder. To be better. To not fail again. But Jesus starts somewhere deeper. He is less concerned with Peter’s resume and more concerned with Peter’s affection. Less focused on performance and more focused on devotion.

Love is the foundation Jesus is after because love sustains obedience when effort alone cannot. When the heart is aligned, restoration follows. Fruit follows. Calling flows naturally from love, not obligation. That is why each question is paired with a commission. Feed my sheep. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Love leads to faithfulness.

As we come to the end of these 21 days, this question lingers for all of us. Not what have you done. Not how well did you perform. But do you love me? The fast was never about proving devotion. It was about reordering affection. When love is in the right place, the rest begins to align.

Jesus does not ask this question to condemn Peter. He asks it to heal him. And He asks it knowing the answer. Love is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of what comes next.

As you step out of these 21 days and into what God has ahead, carry this with you. Obedience will flow best from love. Faithfulness will last longest when it is rooted in affection for Jesus rather than pressure to perform. When the heart is restored, fruit will continue to grow.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for meeting us with grace rather than accusation. Search our hearts and reorder our loves. As we step out of these 21 days, help us live from devotion rather than duty. We want to love You deeply and follow You faithfully. Lead us forward as You restore and recommission us. Amen.