John 21:17

Amharic Tigrinya 2011

ሳልሳይ ድማ፡ ስምኦን ወዲ ዮና፡ ተፍቅረኒዶ ኢኻ፧ በሎ። ጴጥሮስ፡ ሳልሳይ ጊዜ፡ ተፍቅረኒዶ ኢኻ፡ ስለ ዝበሎ፡ ጒህዩ፡ ጐይታይ፡ ንስኻ ዂሉ ትፈልጥ ኣሎኻ፡ ኣነ ኸም ዘፍቅረካውን ትፈልጥ ኣሎኻ፡ በሎ። የሱስ ከኣ፡ ኣባጊዔይ ኣብልዕ።

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Peter is sad because of the repeated question but affirms his love for Jesus. In response, Jesus tells him to take care of His followers.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing catch with your best friend. Your friend keeps asking if you like them a lot. You feel a bit hurt but say yes. Then they ask you to look after their toys. That's kind of what's happening here, only with Jesus and Peter looking after His friends.

Historical Background

The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John around 90 AD for early Christian communities. The setting reflects a time where understanding discipleship and leadership was crucial amidst growing persecution.

Living It Out Today

Consider how you show love to those in your community, like helping neighbors or volunteering at a shelter. This verse encourages us to actively care for others as Jesus cares for us.

Topics

• love
• faithfulness
• discipleship
• responsibility
• shepherding
• perseverance

Related Verses

• Matthew 28:19-20
• Luke 12:42
• Ezekiel 34:2-6
• Acts 20:28
• John 15:12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved him?

Jesus asked this question three times, likely to correspond with Peter's earlier thrice-denial of knowing Jesus during His trial. It’s a way to restore and affirm their relationship.

How can we show our love for God practically?

We show our love for God by loving others as He does, through acts of kindness, compassion, and caring for those in need just as Jesus instructed Peter.

What does 'feed my sheep' mean in today’s context?

'Feed my sheep' means to nurture the spiritual growth of believers. Today, this could mean teaching Bible studies, providing pastoral care, or encouraging others spiritually.

Why was Peter grieved by Jesus’ questioning?

Peter likely felt guilty about his past denial and may have been hurt that Jesus needed to repeatedly confirm his love, emphasizing the depth of their restored relationship.