John 21:16

Then, a second time, Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Master,” he answered, “you know that I am your friend.” “Tend my sheep,” said Jesus.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

In Context

15When breakfast was over, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than the others?” “Yes, Master,” he answered, “you know that I am your friend.” “Feed my lambs,” said Jesus.

17The third time, Jesus said to him, “Simon, son of John, are you my friend?” Peter was hurt at his third question being ‘Are you my friend?’; and exclaimed, “Master, you know everything! You can tell that I am your friend.” “Feed my sheep,” said Jesus.

Read all of John 21

Cross References

Psalms 95:7For he is our God; and we are the people he tends, the sheep in his care. If only you would heed his voice today:

Zechariah 13:7Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands near to me, says the Lord of hosts. I will strike the shepherd so that the sheep may be scattered, I will turn my hand against the little ones.

Matthew 25:32and all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people – just as a shepherd separates sheep from goats –

Luke 15:3So Jesus told them this parable –

John 10:11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.

John 18:17So the maidservant said to Peter, “Aren’t you also one of this man’s disciples?” “No, I am not,” he said.

Matthew Henry on John 21:16-20

Christ's Discourse with Peter. 15 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. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said… Read the whole commentary →

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