John 21: "Do you love Me more than these?"

[MarcoPolo]

Here’s John 21:15-17*When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 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.*Here is the Greek of verses 15, 16, 17.

What is interesting here, is the first 2 times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves (agape) Him. And Peter responds that he loves (phileo) Him. The 3rd time, Jesus asks Peter if he loves (phileo) Him and Peter confirms that he loves (phileo) Him. I wonder if this testament shows that Jesus was still willing to place Peter as shepherd even though Peter had only phileo love for Christ?

 

[evidence]

I don’t see your point…are you saying that Jesus didn’t know how much Peter loved Him when He he comissioned him to Tend and Feed (rule and govern) his lambs/sheep, or when He made him the rock and gave him the power to bind and loose(Mt 16)? I dont know greek, so maybe I missed something.

 

[ryanoneil]

The intended distinction between these terms would indicate that Jesus, desirous of a complete and heroic love from Peter, was willing by the end of the conversation to settle for his friendship. (IGNATIUS Catholic Study Bible)

My parish priest personally thinks that Jesus adds verse 18 to tell Peter that he won’t be able to help loving Jesus with the agape love later, like an old person who can’t help were they are being carried.

 

[Nita]

I think it shows Peter’s humility; his honest recognition now of his weakness.
Only a few days earlier he had confidently asserted:
“Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” (Mt. 26:35)

That was a verbal declaration of “agape” love. However, Peter failed when it came to carrying it out. I think his “phileo” declaration shows he is humbly aware of his weakness.
Perhaps even, it was a test put to him by Our Lord – to see if Peter had learned not to be over-confident of his capabilities. Certainly Our Lord’s asking him twice, using the term “agape” would have been a temptation to respond “Yes, you know that I “agape” you.” But I think “agape” (sacrificial) love has to be demonstrated before it is real.