When Jesus helps you face up to your failings, your love is enough for him

WE once had a family holiday on a caravan site. On arrival my dad discovered the gas bottle provided was empty so he set to get another. He was gone a long time. On his return he said there hadn’t been a problem getting the gas but, on the way back, he saw someone he used to work with.

The delay was not because he had stopped to talk to him. Rather he had come a longer way thus avoiding having to walk past him. This was an acquaintance he didn’t want to renew. He never explained why.

The disciple Peter must have felt like that. He had made promises of undying loyalty to Jesus but told people that he didn’t know him. When Jesus was arrested like the other followers he ran away. There was probably enough guilt, shame, and selfrecrimination in Peter’s head to keep his therapist occupied for years.

John tells us in his gospel that Peter dealt with it all by going back to his old job – fishing. But Jesus turned up (as he does). Peter, impetuous as ever, rushed to meet him.

But I can’t help wondering whether he took his time over the breakfast Jesus had prepared trying to avoid the conversation that he knew they must have.

The astonishing thing is that when they did get to talk Jesus did not demand explanations or an apology. Nor did he stand there with his arms folded saying, “I’m waiting”. No Jesus just asks Peter one question – Do you love me? When Peter assures him that he does, that is sufficient.

Having heard this Jesus invites him to join his team. I can think of may people from my past I would like to avoid. At times even Jesus can be included on this list when I don’t want to face up to my failings.

Nevertheless, I know that when I do his words will not be designed to belittle and pile on the guilt.

Like Peter he will simply want to know, “do you love me?” and he can take care of the rest.

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