In John 21, Jesus asks Peter this question three times. The NIV version goes on to say that "Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time". I guess he wasn't thinking of the fact that others had recently asked him if he even knew Jesus and he said "No" three times.
Even though Jesus knew ahead of time that Peter would deny Him, it had to hurt when Peter actually said the words. They had lived, worked and travelled together for 3 years...Peter had recently told Jesus that "others may deny you but I never will". Peter is the "Rock"...Jesus told him so! If a man who was personally taught and loved by Jesus can deny Him, what hope do we have?
We have Peters' story before us...it is not meant to make us question ourselves and our ability to stand firm in our faith. It is meant to show us that even if we falter, even if we fall, Jesus will take us back. Rather than losing faith in us, Jesus will give us work to do for His Kingdom...He is not like us, Thanks be to God!
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