You probably know the John 21 verses that are Jesus’ final questions and directives to Simon
Peter, a disciple who had already been singled out for his potential leadership of the others. This
text takes place after the resurrection in those waning opportunities for the disciples to have a
final teaching lesson with their Master.
They have returned to their previous profession of fishing, led by Simon Peter, when he
announces he is going fishing and does anyone want to join him. Here is an example of his
leadership but not at the level Christ Jesus expected or, thankfully, Peter performed much longer.
Listen to more about what the Bible has to teach us about Guilt
Thank you, Madelon, for this wonderfully enlightening vlog. I wonder if, in their travels together, Peter and Paul spoke about Peter’s experience with Jesus’ three questions, and if it might have inspired Paul when he wrote to the Philippians (3:13) saying, “…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before”, or as The Message puts it, “I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back”!
Loved the Vlog on this precious text. I appreciated hearing about the George Lamsa resources and just ordered both of the books you mentioned — the Bible and Idioms of the Bible. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Madelon. What most resonated with me is … Love is the answer; Love undoes the mental chains; Love is the grease that moves us forward… and the necessity of identifying the stressful thought – the guilt that puts on the breaks to this Love (as if it could)- the attachment to the guilt- that clouds my vision and seems to keep me from moving forward. I am grateful for this morning message. THANK YOU!
So timely. I have a Lamsa Bible and am so happy to be reminded to check in more often. I used to do that. I’ve got it out and found your references in John 21 so fresh and relevant and useful. Have been exploring John more closely lately because of some readings on Mary Magdalene and how she has been overlooked, misunderstood and written out as an important apostle. This vlog just helps to continue highlighting the importance of John in so much of our NT study. Love it. Thank you for this emphasis on shifting thought, turning the page,… Read more »
As always, I love how you tell the story. The part about Greek theater was so interesting and gives one a choice about where to place oneself in times of trouble, on the higher level of affirming God’s power or on the lower position of denial, doubt, and fear. I had read other explanations of the three answers Jesus gives to his questions to Peter, but I really like how you explained it here. It is consistent with Peter’s later realization that all are acceptable to God. It’s really a story about getting one’s focus off self and what do… Read more »
Wow! Loved that insight, Madelon, about the need for looking forward, not back, letting go of his mistaken responses, that made him feel guilty- in order to move forward! I never saw it that way before. Thank you! Also, wasn’t he trying to tell Peter he needed more than phileo love, which is personal; he needed to find the agapeo love which includes all,- which was the word for love Jesus used in the first two questions- in order to lead his church for the next ten years as Peter did? Since Peter never replied with agapeo love, Jesus asked… Read more »
Wonderful to know that the Aramaic distingishes three different types of people! (I need to refer to Lamsa more!) The parallel between about Greek theatre and how the Peter and Jesus trials were written was most intetesting. Guilt? Let Love raise you right out of it to go forward!
LOVED this vlog, Maddie! You’re approach and presentation make me feel so Bible smart! Who doesn’t need to be reminded that Love is always the answer! Whatever the issue or problem, Identifying where Love is corrects it. ♥️♥️♥️
Wonderful vlog! This text is one that I’ve researched a number of times over the years because it does make one question Jesus’ intent with his repetitive inquiries. Your vlog wraps it up nicely! Thanks!
a particularly helpful and wonderful Vlog Madelon! Thank You!
Thanks Madelon, love your Vlogs, it’s like having a personal conversation with you. I loved how you brought out the three affirmations of Peter’s love for Jesus and how Jesus transferred that love to his flock. First by ministering to the young (lambs), then to the adults ( sheep), probably the male population and then to the female population (ewes) which seemed important to emphasize to Peter. In the Gospel of Mary Magdalene you don’t get the feeling that Peter had much respect for women as disciples or equals in the church. Jesus was making him look at himself and… Read more »
What a rare gift to receive this insight and to be made aware of the Lamsa Bible. Thank you Madelon for your dedicated study and generous sharing of the insights of The Bible.
I really enjoyed this so much. It made me realize I need to stop ‘looking’ back and holding not on to guilt but ‘hurt’. Can you find a Bible story that goes with ‘hurt.’
Very helpful expansion your deep study and insights
are giving us “Sheep” …. Ewes and Rams and Lambs…all of us!
Thank you so much! I know you are wisely claiming your blessings from this giving. :<)))
Thank you, Madelon for opening up the meaning behind this Scripture.
This is the best explanation I’ve ever heard on this conversation between Jesus and Peter. So thankful for how it relates to all of us. And I’m enjoying all the added comments of other listeners. Thank you!!
Thank you so much, Madelon. This particular statement in your email caused me to take a deep breath,…”Guilt is one of those negative emotions that has us in a state of self-accusation and self-condemnation that can be paralyzing.” Wow! I paused to really breathe deeply. To then listen to the vlog and understand better what Jesus was teaching Peter, is so inspiring and hugely helpful right now, today. I loved your statement, “Peter had to let go of his past to fulfill his future to be the shepherd that Jesus knew he could be.” I am living with this. Thank… Read more »
Hi Maddie,
I now see where the comments are posted! Please see my comment below following Sandra Nicholson’s comment.
Thank you so much for this vlog! I’m such a novice and drinking this all in! I’m so amazed at this new look into the scriptures! Thank you…thank you