Definition: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 21:15. It’s a really interesting passage about Jesus and Simon Peter’s relationship. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jesus’s love for his disciples and their commitment to caring for him. Let’s unpack it part by part: “So when they had dined…” – This means Jesus and his disciples were enjoying a meal together. It's a moment of connection and fellowship. “…Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” – Jesus is asking Simon Peter if he loves him more than anything else in the world - his family, his possessions, even his own life. It’s a test of love and devotion. “He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” – This is the crucial part. Peter answers "Yes, Lord!" It means he acknowledges Jesus's love. “…He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” – This is the key takeaway. Jesus says, “Feed my lambs.” Let’s break down what that means : Lambs: In this context, "lambs" refers to Peter and his followers. They are young, vulnerable, and need guidance and care. Feed: It means to nurture, protect, and guide them. Jesus is asking Peter to take responsibility for their well-being. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a powerful statement about Jesus’s love. It’s not just a casual expression of affection; it's a deep commitment to care for his disciples, especially the young and vulnerable ones. It shows that Jesus wants to protect and guide them, giving them responsibility and importance. Why is this important? This passage highlights: Jesus’s Concern: It shows Jesus deeply cares about his followers. Responsibility: He's placing a burden of responsibility on Peter, emphasizing that he isn't just a friend, but also a guardian. Guidance & Protection: The ‘feeding’ part suggests Jesus wants to nurture and protect these new believers. In short, this verse is about Jesus prioritizing the well-being of his disciples and showing them through his actions that he loves them deeply. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger story or theme in the Bible?