Peter’s Denial and Restoration
[Originally posted on my Rabbisaul blog March 29 2006]
It is a commonplace that the “feed my lambs” scene in John 21 constitutes a restoration of Peter, corresponding to his denial. Peter, of course, denies three times, and analogously, Jesus asks him three times, “do you love me?” Thus Jesus prompts three affirmations over against the three denials.
Tonight’s closing Bible study in A House for My Name brought further parallels to light. Peter Leithart draws attention to the “fire of coals” that provides the setting for both scenes: Peter is warming himself by a fire of coals when he makes his denial of Jesus (Jn 18.18), and Jesus has prepared a fire of coals for the restoration meeting (Jn 21.9).
But one other correspondence struck me. Peter denied Jesus because he was afraid of death. If he admits to being Jesus’ disciple, will he too be tried and executed? So what is the first thing Jesus says to Peter upon his reconfirmation? He tells him that he will die for Him (21.18-19). Thus the cycle is complete. Despite Peter’s cowardice and denial, he will faithfully reach the martyrdom he so feared.