15 After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"21:15. "These." This could refer to the objects around them, meaning the fisherman’s trade, but is more likely that it refers to the other disciples. It is Peter’s love for Jesus which is in question.
"Yes, Lord," he replied, "you know I love you."
"Take care of my lambs," Jesus told him.
16 "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" he asked for the second time.
"Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know I love you."
"Look after my sheep," Jesus said to him.
17 "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" he asked a third time.
Peter was hurt that Jesus had asked him for the third time if he loved him. "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you," Peter told him.
"Take care of my sheep," said Jesus.
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