The Shepherd

What Jesus gave Simon Peter on their early morning walk on the beach was more than just forgiveness.  The setting for the moment is after the resurrection,  The disciples had seen the resurrected Jesus and had gone back fishing.  It seems like a unlikely thing for them to do, but they went back to something which fit inside their minds. The resurrection of Jesus was not something the mind could comprehend.  In that moment and in that place full of what was familiar to the disciples, Jesus showed up with breakfast for the body and forgiveness for the soul.  (John 21).  

In a moment filled with images of intimacy, we see Jesus getting Peter's attention as a way of separating him from the group around the charcoal fire and then slowly walking with him away from the others.  With His arm across Peter's shoulder they walk.  Jesus speaks softly into the ears of this broken and confused disciple until finally they fill Peter's heart to the point of breaking it.  Three times Peter had denied Jesus in the courtyard and now three times Jesus asked, "Simon son of John, do you love me..."  (John 21:15, 16, 17)   The smoke of the charcoal fire remembered from the courtyard of betrayal and the thrice asked questions were not lost on Peter.  "Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You."  (John 21:17).  

What Jesus said not only spoke of forgiveness for what was past, but spoke of Jesus' plan to include Peter in the unfolding work of the Kingdom.  Forgiveness is not just forgetting about the past.  It is about living into the future with love, acceptance, inclusion, and trust.  The forgiven Peter was no longer one who betrayed, but one entrusted as a shepherd for the sheep of God's Kingdom pasture.