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Insight's to the Word with Pastor Teague!
April 25, 2010 John 21.15-17
The questions were tough. By the time Jesus asked Simon Peter the same question the third time – Simon was getting a little miffed. Uncomfortable with the risen Lord drilling him. He didn’t understand why. I am not sure I do either. We can only speculate on this one. What I do wonder about is Simon Peter’s attitude with it. Here is the Lord Jesus in resurrection form standing before Simon Peter. Peter hasn’t had the best track record of late when it comes to loyalty to the Master. He has dropped the ball big time. Yes, Jesus did ask for Simon Peter and they have had two other face to face meetings. But to somehow get an attitude with the Lord over His asking questions? Repeatedly? Now there is something we can identify with!
The word scripture uses here implies that Peter was grieved over the these repeasted questions. It actually means distressed. The word means to be anxious, pained or be in sorrow. Peter was hurting over the questions. They were like a dagger stuck in to his heart. Why? Again, this wondering mind of mine can only speculate.
Simon Peter had denied the Lord three times. Maybe the Lord was “catching up” with these questions. Maybe it would take three-times to drive home the point that mere surface confessions aren’t enough. Peter had done that before. Confessed that if everybody left Jesus – he would not. Yeah right! Go figure! We know how much that lasted! Long enough for Simon Peter to high tail it into hiding!
Questions are not fun some times. Consider this a proactive interrogation by Christ. Picture Simon Peter sitting at an old desk in a dim-lit police station. Jesus is in the shadows. He has on a dark suit and tie. His tie is pulled down and his collar is unbuttoned. He is asking Peter a few questions. All he wants is the truth. All Jesus wants is a truthful confession. Nothing less and nothing more. Do you love me? Do you really, really love me?
What about you? How many times does Jesus have to drag us to a place of interrogation? He just wants answers. He just wants a confession based on truth. Consider, again, Jesus in a dark dim-lit room…and it’s you sitting at the interrogation table. From the shadows Jesus begins asking some pointed questions:
Somehow we wrestle with Jesus to questioning us. Throughout scripture the Lord is found asking His people, His leaders, His kings and queens, His prophets, His apostles…and even one time His own Father questions. All He wants is truth. Pure and simple. So the next time you feel backed into a corner while experiencing the Lord’s presence…why don’t you just be honest with Him. All He wants is the truth from you. No veneer. No cover up. Just honest answers. Try it. He already knows what is in your heart. What He is after is how honest you will be with Him and yourself in answering some of the questions He is asking.
Pastortimteague's Blog 
Do think there is any relevance to the factor that Peter denied Jesus three times. That’s just one of the reason Jesus asks Peter. Peter gets upset with Jesus for asking the question three times. Jesus grieves over Peter and all of us because we all have denied Him. Peter himself did not think he would deny Christ Jesus. Matthew 26:35 Peter said to Him,”Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”