Jesus Tests Peter 

   No. 5 of 6

     In John's last chapter, 21, he wrote how he and other disciples, including Peter, went fishing all night. Early in the morning Jesus called to them from shore. They had met Jesus twice since his resurrection, but they didn't realize it was him. 

     When they told (the stranger) they hadn't caught any fish, he said, Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. Did they? They couldn't haul in the net there were so many fish. 

     John exclaimed, "It is the Lord!" Peter - who else? - jumped in the water while the others towed the net...about 100 yards. They saw a fire of burning coals with fish already on it...and some bread. 

     After they were done eating, three times Jesus asked Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you truly love me? And three times Peter said "yes." The third repeat frustrated him a bit. Jesus' three answers were Feed my lambs, Take care of my sheep, Feed my sheep. 

     Then he gave Peter shocking information:

     When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Follow me. 

Tradition, not the Bible, is that Peter was crucified in Rome, about the same time Paul was martyred (A.D. 67/68) and that he chose to be hung upside down...not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord. If so, that would be some 34 years after Christ's resurrection. 

Friday: Violent wind and fire