While Christ and the disciples were eating together by the seaside, the Saviour said to Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" referring to his brethren. Peter had once declared, "Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended." Matt. 26:33. But he now put a truer estimate upon himself. "Yea, Lord," he said, "Thou knowest that I love Thee." There is no vehement assurance that his love is greater than that of his brethren. He does not express his own opinion of his devotion. To Him who can read all the motives of the heart he appeals to judge as to his sincerity,--"Thou knowest that I love Thee." And Jesus bids him, "Feed My lambs."

Medens Kristus og disciplene spiste sammen ved søens bred, sagde Frelseren til Peter: "Simon, Johannes søn, elsker du mig mere, end de andre gør" hermed mentes hans medbrødre. Peter havde engang erklæret: "Om så alle forarges på dig, vil jeg dog ikke gøre det." Matt. 26,33. Men nu bedømte han sig selv på en mere sandfærdig måde. "Ja, Herre!" sagde han, "du ved, at jeg har dig kær." Der lyder ingen lidenskabelig erklæring om, at hans kærlighed er større end hans brødres. Han giver ikke udtryk for sin egen opfattelse af sin hengivenhed. Han beder ham, som kan læse alle hjertets skjulte tanker, om selv at dømme om hans oprigtighed, "Du ved, at jeg har dig kær!" Og Jesus giver ham denne befaling: "Vogt mine lam!"