Frustrations flare as the subtle glow in the east penetrates the mist-enshrouded Lake of Galilee. The seven have worked the nets all night with not a fish to show for it. Nothing seems to be working out lately. Fishing has been their life, but somehow they’ve lost their touch. Jesus, whom they followed and loved, was crucified instead of crowned. And though He’s risen, it’s not quite the same.

What does one do after they’ve invested themselves fully in one cause, in one person, and then suddenly He’s gone? What’s next? And where is Jesus? He said they’d meet in Galilee.

As always, Jesus is near, though veiled by mist. And as the disciples act on His word, they haul in a catch of fish beyond their imaginings (see John 21).

Hungry, tired, and wet, the disciples huddle around a hot coal fire while Jesus serves breakfast. Awe settles on them, for they’re again in the presence of the God with whom their lives have been indelibly interwoven.

As smoke curls up from the hot coals, the pungent odor draws Peter’s mind back to another coal fire on a cool morning in the high priest’s courtyard several weeks before. His cursing denials have haunted him ever since. Jesus has forgiven him, but can he forgive himself? He’s been in the inner circle; can he be trusted again?

"Simon, son of John."

Peter is jarred out of his reverie hearing his full name called. It’s Jesus talking, but He’s not using the nickname He’d given him—Peter. (It means rock, but he surely hasn’t been acting like one lately.)

"Simon, son of John, do you agapao  Me? Do you love Me with a divine love that is solid as a rock? Do you love Me with a love controlled by principle, not feeling?"

"Yes, Lord, You know I phileo You. You know I love You as a dear friend—spontaneously, wildly even."

"But Simon, son of John, do you agapao Me? Do you love Me at all costs, even to the sacrifice of yourself?"

"Yes, Lord, You know I phileo You. You know I’m deeply attached to You."

"Simon, son of John, do you phileo Me? Are you truly fond of Me, or is your love superficial?"

"Lord, with all the time we’ve spent together You know that we’re good friends and how much I care for You. You know I phileo You."

Three denials, now three confessions of loyalty.

Though Peter could only admit to endearing friendship instead of the higher, purer, self-sacrificing love, Jesus knew that he would grow into agapao. He accepted Peter where he was, and called him to serve.

Are you attached to Jesus? Are you fond of Him? Do you love Him wildly and spontaneously? Jesus is glad for phileo love, yet He also wants you to grow into agapao love. A love that won’t change with your moods or circumstances. A love that when you’re tired of trials, tired of sacrificing, tired of trying, and you want it your way, you’ll still say "Not my will, but Yours be done." A divine love that can grow only as you walk and talk, work and play with the Divine One.

Yet be assured that when your fondness flounders or your wild emotions wilt, when there’s a gap in your agapao and even your phileo flops, Jesus’ love is everlasting. He accepts you and forgives you. Then He calls you to serve.

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