The Saviour's manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for his brethren. It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him never faltered. Just such love should the undershepherd feel for the sheep and lambs committed to his care. Remembering his own weakness and failure, Peter was to deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him.

Frelserens handlemåde over for Peter rummede en lære både for ham og for hans medbrødre. Den lærte dem at møde overtræderen med tålmodighed, medfølelse og tilgivende kærlighed. Skønt Peter havde fornægtet sin Herre, vaklede Jesus aldrig i den kærlighed, han følte for ham. Netop en sådan kærlighed skulle underhyrden føle for de får og lam, der var overgivet til hans omsorg. Når Peter huskede på sin egen svaghed og sit fald, måtte han handle lige så mildt over for dem, som Kristus havde handlet over for ham selv.