The Jesus Podcast – “Do You Love Me”

Episode Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Pray.com

Overview

This emotionally charged episode of The Jesus Podcast centers on the restoration of Peter by Jesus after his three denials. It artfully blends scripture, dramatic narration, and theological reflection to explore how Jesus confronts Peter’s shame and initiates true healing and commissioning. Listeners are taken on a journey through the poignant beachside encounter in John 21, unpacking the deep symbolism, emotional weight, and practical application for those seeking restoration from their own past failures.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Peter’s Shame and the Encounter with Jesus

[01:45 – 06:15]

• The episode opens with a powerful scene: the disciples spot Jesus on the shore. Peter, overcome with longing and regret, dives into the sea to reach him.
• The host and narrator depict Peter’s emotional state, emphasizing the "weight of his shame" and his desperation for reconciliation.
  • “Peter looked down at his feet, thinking about all the times he had missed the opportunity. Embrace Jesus. He looked forward. Jesus was there, smile beaming like the sunrise beckoning him to come.” (Narrator, 01:46)
  • The narrative highlights the struggle of moving forward: “What was the resurrection for if mistakes kept him down?” (Narrator, 01:56)

2. The Restorative Breakfast and Threefold Question

[07:00 – 12:29]

• Onshore, Jesus welcomes Peter to a charcoal fire — a sensory echo of Peter’s denial (the only two mentions of a charcoal fire in the New Testament).
  • “The scent was familiar. The fire burnt from the same charcoal as that night Peter denied Jesus. The memories of denial came flooding back.” (Narrator, 07:27)
• Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” — each corresponding to Peter’s three denials.
  • “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (Jesus, 08:10)
• Peter’s emotions are palpable; he at first answers immediately, then more reflectively, and finally with brokenness and vulnerability:
  • “Lord, you know all things,” he said with a cracked voice…“You know that I love you.” (Peter, 10:16)
• This interaction is not just about personal affirmation but commission:
  • Jesus replies in succession: “Feed my lambs.” (08:21), “Tend my sheep.” (09:32), “Feed my sheep.” (10:38)
• The scene culminates in a moving embrace, signaling full restoration and forgiveness:
  • “At that moment, the weight of Peter’s shame crumbled under the warm embrace of Jesus. The two of them embraced, and the rugged fisherman wept like a child in Jesus’ arms.” (Narrator, 10:55)

3. Facing the Past, Stepping into the Future

[12:29 – 13:55]

• Jesus speaks to Peter about his future, foreshadowing his eventual martyrdom but also affirming his calling:
  • “When you were young, you were used to doing as you pleased…But now you’re a man. You no longer have that freedom. I have called you to something greater.” (Jesus, 12:29)
  • Peter resolves to follow, strengthened by Jesus’ presence.
• When Peter asks about John’s fate, Jesus gently redirects him:
  • “My plans for John are none of your concern…You follow me with the gifts and calling I have given you.” (Jesus, 13:44)

4. Reflection and Theological Commentary

[16:48 – 23:21]

• The commentator explores the significance of sensory memory (smell) and its role in restoration.
  • “Out of all the senses...the sense of smell is actually linked to our memory the most.” (Host, 16:48)
• Only two charcoal fires: one at Peter’s denial, one at his restoration. Jesus is intentionally recreating the scene, not to shame Peter but to guide him through processing and healing.
  • “Jesus setting this fire is important. Jesus doesn’t want Peter to ignore his past mistakes... Jesus is forcing the restoration process.” (Host, 17:50)
• Commentary draws a universal application: true restoration requires facing the past, not ignoring or dwelling in it.
  • “Some people overly dwell on the past…Some people like to pretend that the past never happened…Both of these postures are wrong. Jesus wants us to have an appropriate processing of our past mistakes, but he also wants us to move forward.” (Host, 18:32)
• The commentator discusses the balance of being called from something—and to something.
  • “It’s not enough for us to run away from something we’re afraid of; we have to be pursuing something as well.” (Host, 21:08)
• Three movements in restoration, as exemplified by Peter:
  1. Recall God’s faithfulness and receive His invitation back into relationship.
  2. Honestly face and process past sins.
  3. Embrace a new commission—a future purpose.

5. Application and Encouragement for Listeners

• The episode closes with an invitation:
  • “Do you need restoration today? Do you desire to be brought back? Hear the voice of Jesus calling you…” (Host, 22:25)
• Encouragement not to “bury” past pain, but to submit it to God for true freedom.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:46, Narrator]: “Peter looked down at his feet, thinking about all the times he had missed the opportunity. Embrace Jesus. He looked forward. Jesus was there, smile beaming like the sunrise beckoning him to come.”
• [08:10, Jesus]: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
• [10:16, Peter]: “Lord, you know all things…You know that I love you.”
• [10:55, Narrator]: “At that moment, the weight of Peter’s shame crumbled under the warm embrace of Jesus. The two of them embraced, and the rugged fisherman wept like a child in Jesus’ arms.”
• [12:29, Jesus]: “When you were young, you were used to doing as you pleased…But now you’re a man. You no longer have that freedom. I have called you to something greater.”
• [13:44, Jesus]: “My plans for John are none of your concern…You follow me with the gifts and calling I have given you.”
• [16:48, Host]: “Out of all the senses...the sense of smell is actually linked to our memory the most.”
• [18:32, Host]: “Some people overly dwell on the past…Some people like to pretend that the past never happened…Both of these postures are wrong. Jesus wants us to have an appropriate processing of our past mistakes, but he also wants us to move forward.”
• [21:08, Host]: “It’s not enough for us to run away from something we’re afraid of; we have to be pursuing something as well.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:45] – Peter recognizes Jesus, internal struggle sets stage for restoration
• [06:15] – Peter’s swim to shore and symbolism of his emotional burden
• [07:25] – Breakfast and memory trigger of charcoal fire
• [08:10] – First “Do you love me?” exchange
• [09:32] – Second “Do you love me?” and mounting tension
• [10:00] – Third time, Peter’s repentance, restoration
• [12:29] – Jesus speaks about Peter’s future and calling
• [13:44] – Jesus redirects Peter’s question about John
• [16:48] – Commentary on memory, restoration, and facing one's past

Summary and Takeaways

“Do You Love Me” is a deeply moving retelling of Jesus restoring Peter, interweaving vivid dramatization with reflective teaching. It underscores that healing and restoration only come when we acknowledge our failures, process them, and accept Christ’s invitation to new purpose. The episode challenges listeners to confront their own histories, seek healing with God, and courageously step into the future He has prepared.

For listeners new to the podcast or this biblical story, this episode serves as a powerful narrative on how shame is overcome—not by denying or dwelling in the past, but by allowing Christ’s love and commission to free us for what comes next.