Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter's repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple.

Tre gange havde Peter åbenlyst fornægtet sin Herre, og tre gange lod Jesus ham gentage sin forsikring om kærlighed og troskab ved at kræve svar på dette ganske bestemte spørgsmål, der ramte hans sårede hjerte som en skarp pil. Over for den samlede discipelskare åbenbarede Jesus, hvor dyb Peters anger var, og viste dem, hvor helt igennem ydmyg den engang så stortalende discipel var blevet.