Do You Love Me

Summary

The Jesus Podcast — "Do You Love Me" (April 28, 2026)

Host: Pray.com

Episode Overview

This episode of The Jesus Podcast centers on the dramatic, emotional restoration of Peter following his denial of Jesus—a crucial moment in the Gospel of John (chapter 21). With cinematic storytelling and rich spiritual commentary, the episode delves into the raw encounter between Peter and the resurrected Christ, exploring themes of shame, memory, forgiveness, and transformation. The narrative brings listeners into the tension and hope of Peter’s journey from regret to restoration, drawing timeless lessons about how Jesus engages our past to commission us for a renewed future.

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The Journey from Shame to Restoration

1. Peter Rushes to Jesus (02:10–05:26)

• Peter’s Desperation: The episode opens with Peter, overwhelmed by excitement and longing, leaping from his boat into chilly waters to reach Jesus on the shore.
• Symbolism of Struggle:
  • Peter’s heavy, wet clothes and the cold water visually represent his burdens of shame and regret.
  • "The resistance of his clothes, the chill of the water, and the current working against him were all symbols of his shame." (04:42)
• Notable Quote:
  • “He wasn’t going to hide in shame anymore. He refused to allow regret to anchor him any longer. He needed Jesus.” (03:16)

2. The Breakfast by the Charcoal Fire (05:26–08:22)

• Setting & Memory:
  • Jesus welcomes Peter to a charcoal fire for breakfast, recalling the fire by which Peter had denied Jesus.
  • The “scent of the burning coals” evokes the trauma of Peter’s denial, setting the stage for restoration.
• Triple Commissioning:
  • Three times, mirroring Peter’s three denials, Jesus asks: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
    • 1st time: “Do you love me?” (06:37) — “Feed my lambs.”
    • 2nd time: “Do you love me?” (07:23) — “Tend my sheep.”
    • 3rd time: “Do you love me?” (08:22) — “Feed my sheep.”
  • With each asking and response, the weight and emotion intensify, culminating in Peter’s broken yet honest confession:
    • “Lord, you know all things... you know my heart and you know my mind... You know that I love you.” (08:47, paraphrased)
    • Jesus’ response: “Then feed my sheep.” (09:04)
• Moment of Restoration:
  • Peter breaks down, “wept like a child in Jesus’ arms,” as “the weight of Peter's shame crumbled under the warm embrace.” (09:26)

3. A New Calling (09:30–12:22)

• Personal Conversation:
  • Jesus leads Peter away from the group for an intimate talk about love, loyalty, and destiny.
  • Jesus (10:56): “When you were young, you were used to doing as you pleased... you followed your own desires... But now... I have called you to something greater. You will be taken where you do not wish to go. You will be carried out as I was. Will you still follow me?”
• Peter’s Transformation:
  • This time, Peter’s confidence is “not a vapid confidence like before,” but “the reassurance of Christ’s strength, an indwelling power.” (11:22)
• Comparison with John:
  • Peter asks about John’s fate; Jesus gently replies, “My plans for John are none of your concern... You follow me with the gifts and calling I have given you.” (12:12)
• Outcome:
  • Both Peter and John will play roles in the birth of the Church, but each with their own distinct paths and callings.

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Insights, Symbolism, & Key Takeaways

Sensory Memory and Restoration (13:16–16:00)

• The Power of Smell:
  • Explains how scents—like the charcoal fire—trigger strong memories and emotions.
  • The only two charcoal fires mentioned in the New Testament are at Peter’s denial and his restoration, intentionally echoing each other.
  • Notable Commentary:
    • "The setting of the charcoal fire becomes a poignant reminder of Peter's denial, as it was around a similar fire that he had disowned Jesus." (13:50)
    • “Jesus doesn’t want Peter to ignore his past mistakes. The fire symbolizes God’s desire for you and me to face our past head-on and process what we’ve done.” (14:15)
• Restoration Requires Facing the Past:
  • Jesus deliberately has Peter relive his shame, not to condemn him, but so he can process, confess, and move forward—transforming past failure into a foundation for future faithfulness.
  • "There is power in facing the same emotions and hurts of the past—but instead of making the wrong decision, facing them and making the right one." (15:00)

Faith Put into Action (16:00–19:00)

• Beyond Words — A Life of Action:
  • "To attach action to a declaration gives weight and purpose to the relationship." (17:05)
  • Jesus’ repeated commissions (“feed my sheep”) show that forgiveness leads to a purposeful mission.
  • "It's not a works-based faith. It's inviting him into a fruitful and actionable relationship." (17:45)
• Restoration Process (18:18):
  • Three steps are highlighted:
    1. Reminded of God’s faithfulness and invited back into relationship.
    2. Deeply considering and facing our past sins and shortcomings.
    3. Being commissioned for something greater—called up, not just called out.
  • “Hear the voice of Jesus calling you to remember his goodness, consider your past, and step into the future with boldness.” (18:45)

Memorable Parable: The Maze Experiment (17:56–18:18)

• Illustration:
  • Like rats running through a maze, driven both by fear (the cat) and hope (the cheese), people move fastest when fleeing from the past and moving toward a future goal.
  • Application: “It’s not enough for us to run away from something we’re afraid of. We have to be pursuing something as well.” (18:10)

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Concluding Encouragement (19:00–19:48)

• Living Resurrection:
  • The Resurrection isn’t just about moving away from past failure; it’s about embracing the new life and calling Jesus offers.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “We don't move on by ignoring the shame. Rather, with humble hearts and willing hands, we submit our lives to Jesus and embrace his grace.” (19:30)
• Call to Action:
  • Listeners are invited to consider their own restoration journey and to share the hope found in facing the past with Jesus as their guide.
  • Upcoming episodes will follow Jesus ascending and the disciples entering a new season.

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Notable Quotes & Time Stamps

• “He wasn’t going to let shame keep him from Jesus any longer.” — Narrator (08:15)
• Jesus: “Do you love me?” — (1st at 06:37, 2nd at 07:23, 3rd at 08:22)
• Peter: “Lord, you know all things... You know that I love you.” — (08:47)
• “The setting of the charcoal fire becomes a poignant reminder of Peter’s denial.” — Commentary (13:50)
• “Jesus doesn’t want Peter to ignore his past mistakes. The fire symbolizes God’s desire for you and me to face our past head-on and process what we’ve done.” — Commentary (14:15)
• “To attach action to a declaration gives weight and purpose to the relationship.” — Commentary (17:05)
• “Our faith requires that we run from something and to something.” — Commentary (17:56)
• “We don’t move on by ignoring the shame. Rather, with humble hearts and willing hands, we submit our lives to Jesus and embrace his grace.” — Commentary (19:30)

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Key Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|------------| | Peter rushes to Jesus | 02:10–05:26| | Peter and Jesus at the fire (dialogue) | 05:26–08:22| | Peter restored and entrusted | 08:22–09:30| | Private conversation, call to follow | 09:30–12:22| | Meaning of the charcoal fire (commentary) | 13:16–16:00| | On restoration & action | 16:00–19:00| | Concluding encouragement | 19:00–19:48|

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Final Thoughts

This episode of The Jesus Podcast breathes fresh emotion and insight into Peter’s story, revealing how Jesus deals tenderly but truthfully with our failures. Listeners are challenged to confront—not bury—their own regrets, recognizing that in Christ, restoration is never just about being forgiven: it’s about being empowered to love and serve with new strength. The episode’s cinematic narration, theological depth, and relatable commentary make the ancient story living and transformative for audiences today.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Casting all your worries on him because he cares for you. Heavenly Father, in the comforting promise of 1 Peter 5:7, we find our refuge and strength. We acknowledge our worries and lay them at your feet, trusting in your unfailing care. Grant us peace that surpasses all understanding. As we cast every anxiety on you. Remind us, Lord, that in your hands our burdens are lightened and our spirits are uplifted. Help us to navigate the challenges of life with faith and courage, knowing that you are always with us, guiding and protecting. Teach us to lean on your everlasting arms, finding rest in your assurance and love. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for your constant presence and unending grace. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast, Sagas from the Gospel told like never before. Remain here to immerse yourself in the drama and wonder of Christ's story. If you want to partner with us in our mission to bring the Bible to life in new ways, follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. That way we can reach the whole world with the story of Jesus Ready

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[Narrator]

It's him, john said with excited breath.

[Jesus]

It's the Lord.

[Narrator]

Peter stood over the bow and squinted for focus on the shore, waving to Peter was Jesus, the rays of dawn's light behind him? This was the third time Jesus had appeared to Peter. Was he going to remain stuck in shame for a third time? Peter took a few steps back and paused. He looked down at his feet, thinking about all the times he had missed the opportunity to embrace Jesus. He looked forward. Jesus was there, smile beaming like the sunrise beckoning him to come. Peter drew a deep breath and tightened his fist. What was the resurrection for if mistakes kept him down? Peter looked ahead, planted his feet and threw away his inhibitions. He sprinted forward, leaping out and diving into the water. He pulled at the water and kicked with his might, desperate to get to Jesus. He wasn't going to hide in shame anymore. He refused to allow regret to anchor him any longer. He needed Jesus. Peter swam with all his might, not wanting to waste another moment.

[Host/Commentator]

To truly move on and embrace the future, you first have to wrestle with your past. You can't run from it. You can't hide away and ignore it. You have to face it. Jesus had to guide Peter through that grueling process. But at the end of it all, Peter found true freedom and strength. This is the Jesus Podcast. Welcome back. We have been leading up to today's episode for quite a while. The moment when Jesus finally restores Peter. Like many of us, Peter feels weighed down by shame and his past. He wrestled with the pain of his sins, and the memories of his failures continued to haunt him. But Jesus appeared to Peter twice now, and Peter was shackled to the floor, unable to embrace him. He was chained to the ground by his guilt. In our last episode, Jesus revealed himself a third time, prompting Peter to finally let go of his inhibitions and dive into the water. What will happen to our sweet friend Peter now? Will he finally embrace Jesus and step into his calling? Or will he continue to let past sins rob him from present joy? Let's find out now in this dramatic retelling of John 21.

[Narrator]

Peter's strokes were weighed down by his clothes. His companions rode beside him, wondering why Peter felt the need to swim in the first place. Yet there was beauty in the struggle as Peter desperately swam closer to the shore. The resistance of his clothes, the chill of the water, and the current working against him were all symbols of his shame. Peter had let the weight of his shame keep him from pressing forward, but no longer. He swam with violent determination. He reached the shore, clawing his way through the sand. He stood up, soaked and cold, and looked around for Jesus.

[Jesus]

Jesus.

[Narrator]

Peter shouted with labored breathing. Master, where are you? Peter saw a dark plume of smoke rising from the other side of a small doom. Peter ran and saw Jesus tending to a charcoal fire. Peter smiled, stumbled down the slope and fell at Jesus feet, sopping wet and shivering, clung to his robes.

[Jesus]

Will you share a meal with me, Peter?

[Narrator]

Peter nodded and sat on a log on the other side of the fire. The others secured their boat to the shore and brought back fish to cook over the charcoal. The others ate, but Peter remained silent. He was distracted by the scent of the burning coals. The scent was familiar. The fire burnt from the same charcoal as that night. Peter denied Jesus. The memories of denial came flooding back into his mind. Jesus looked up from across the coals

[Jesus]

and said, simon, son of John.

[Narrator]

Peter looked up. It had been a long time since Jesus called him Simon. Jesus looked deeply into the fisherman's eyes

[Jesus]

and asked, do you love me?

[Narrator]

Peter met the Lord's gaze. The flickering flames reflected in his eyes. Peter didn't hesitate this time in his response. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you, he answered. Jesus nodded and poked the charcoal with a stick. His gaze was intense but still warm. He looked at Peter and replied, then feed my lambs. The black smoke rose high in the air. Peter hated the smell of reminded him of his sins. He could still hear the echoes of the rooster's call in his mind. Jesus, attempting to interrupt Peter's spiraling self loathing, asked again, simon, son of John,

[Jesus]

do you love me?

[Narrator]

This time Peter paused before answering. He considered the question. Did he truly love Jesus? If so, then why did he fall asleep when Jesus wanted him to pray? If he loved him, why did he deny him three times? Peter sighed and thought deeply. He raised his head and looked at Jesus. Although his actions did not fully express it, Peter knew the answer. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus gaze did not leave Peter's.

[Jesus]

Then tend to my sheep, he answered.

[Narrator]

The tension was thick enough to run a blade through. The other disciples merely watched and listened silently as Jesus asked Peter a third time. This time Jesus tone was intense as if he were drawing something heavy out of Peter.

[Jesus]

Simon, son of John, do you love me?

[Narrator]

Peter's jaw quivered and his hand shook. He buried his face in his hands and tightened his grip. Jesus had now asked him three times, the same amount of times he had denied him. The rest of the disciples listened to the sound of Peter's labored sobs and intermixed with the crackling of the fire. Peter finally looked up. He wiped his eyes and straightened back his shoulders. He wasn't going to let shame keep him from Jesus any longer. Lord, you know all things, he said with a cracked voice. He cleared his throat and nodded as if to assure himself that everything would be different from now on. He beat his fist against his chest and said, you know my heart and you know my mind. You have searched me and known me. You know that I love you. Jesus nodded and stood to his feet. He knelt to Peter and placed his hand on his shoulder. Jesus held it firmly and said, then feed my sheep. 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. Jesus had restored Peter although he had denied him. There would be no condemnation for those who loved him. Peter's heart was filled with the spirit of God. His sins were heavy, like an anchor on his soul. But now, because of the grace Christ provided, he was free. Jesus helped Peter to his feet and took him alone to the water. Together they walked on the sand and spoke as friends. They spoke about Jesus death and what had happened during the trial. They paused and looked out at the water glistening in the afternoon sun. Rays of sunshine bounced in a thousand different directions. They watched as the gulls dove headfirst into the water to snatch up fish. Still looking out, Jesus spoke to Peter,

[Jesus]

saying, when you were young, you were used to doing as you pleased. You dressed yourself and walked wherever you wanted. You followed your own desires, whims and passions.

[Narrator]

Jesus placed a hand on Peter's shoulder. But now you're a man.

[Jesus]

You no longer have that freedom. I have called you to something greater. You will be taken where you do not wish to go. You will be carried out as I was. Will you still follow me?

[Narrator]

Peter nodded confidently, ready to receive whatever death awaited him because of Jesus. It was not a vapid confidence like before. This time Peter Peter had the reassurance of Christ's strength, an indwelling power that would help him in times of desperation and insecurity. Peter finally felt like a rock, steady and immovable. Peter turned back to the fire. John and the other disciples were still eating and talking amongst themselves. What about John? Peter asked. What is his fate? Jesus looked back at John. His young smile was infectious. Jesus grinned and patted Peter on the back.

[Jesus]

My plans for John are none of your concern. He may remain until I turn once again. Yet that is not for you to know. You follow me with the gifts and calling I have given you.

[Narrator]

Peter nodded. John and Peter would both, for the sake of Christ, Peter would march up a hill with his cross and hang upside down. John would be exiled to rot away on an island. Yet before these things could happen, they would see the world changed by the power of God's spirit. They would be called shepherds to tend Jesus sheep. Together they would witness and usher in the beginning of Christ's church. These lowly fishermen from the docks of Galilee would be used to usher in the glory of God himself. Yet it all began with following the good shepherd Jesus.

[Host/Commentator]

Out of all the senses, more than sight, more than touch, more than taste, the olfactory sense, the sense of smell, is actually linked to our memory the most. Whether it be the smell of your mother's perfume, the smell of the car that you first got, the smell of the flowers blossoming in your hometown, there are certain smells that elicit certain Memories, whether they be good memories of our childhood or bad memories of a time where we were dumped or a time where we failed. And that brings us to the charcoal fire. You see, there's only two times in the New Testament where a charcoal fire is mentioned. One is the scene that we just witnessed right now. And two is the scene when Peter is around a fire denying Jesus three times. The setting of the charcoal fire becomes a poignant reminder of Peter's denial, as it was around a similar fire that he had disowned Jesus. The smell of the burning coals brought back memories of that fateful night. For Peter, this signifies how our past actions and failures can often haunt us. We want to run away from it. We want to ignore the past. But Jesus setting this fire is important. Jesus doesn't want Peter to ignore his past mistakes. The fire symbolizes God's desire for you and me to face our past head on and process what we've done. The olfactory sense, our sense of smell, is the sense that is most closely connected to our memories. So by placing this pungent coal before Peter, Jesus is forcing the restoration process. He's forcing Peter to to look at his past and move forward. Just as Jesus recreated the scene from when Peter first believed in him with the catching of fish, he's recreating the scene of when Peter denied him. There are two different camps that people tend to find themselves in. Some people overly dwell on the past. They're stuck in the past and they're stuck in the good old days, or they're stuck in a mistake that they made and it makes them unable to grow or move forward. Some people like to pretend that the past never happened and that they always need to look to the future and they can never process what's happened to them. But 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. This is twice now in the restorative process that Jesus is bringing back the past to be relived by Peter. Why? Because there is power in facing the same emotions and hurts of the past. But instead of making the wrong decision, facing them and making the right one, that's what's happening here. And look at all the good that came from it. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loves them, and three times Peter has to respond. There's significance not just in the three times Jesus asked this question, mirroring the three times Peter denied him, but also in the commission that comes afterwards. Jesus is tenderly inviting Peter into An active relationship with him. One that goes past lip service and into action. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, but now Jesus is inviting Peter to acknowledge him three times while also giving him a mission. You see what Jesus is doing? He's having Peter acknowledge and be restored from his past. And then he's giving him something to look forward to. Peter can't stay in the past. He can't keep dwelling on it. He has to process it, move on, and step into the glory that awaits him. The greater intimacy we have with someone, the greater our need for action is. The more our lives are intertwined with each other, the greater need for us to put our money where our mouth is. And the same is true with our relationship with Jesus. To attach action to a declaration gives weight and purpose to the relationship. It's not enough for me to tell my wife I love her. I have to show her through my actions. I have to show her through how I pursue her, how I serve her, how, how I help our family and love our kids. In no other relationship can we get away with making declarations about actions. You can't just tell your boss you're going to do something. You actually have to put your money where your mouth is. So for Jesus to attach action to a relationship brings him in closer. It's not a work based faith. It's inviting him into a fruitful and actionable relationship. And this is the heart behind Jesus words in John 14:15 where he says, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Jesus isn't creating some standard for Peter to meet. He is completing the restorative process by commissioning him and entrusting something to him. Jesus is forgiving Peter and then entrusting him with something great. Our faith requires that we run from something and to something. There was an old experiment with rats to see how quickly they can go through a maze. Some rats were placed in a maze where cheese was at the very end of it. The scent of the cheese made the rats go as quickly as they could. Some rats were placed with a cat in the beginning of the maze. And so they ran as quickly as they could away from the cat. But then there were rats who had a cat in the beginning of the maze and cheese at the end of it. Those were the rats that went through the maze the quickest. This communicates something about human nature as well. It's not enough for us to run away from something we're afraid of. We have to be pursuing something as well. It's not a matter of just moving on from our past, we have to step into the future. Jesus wants to fully restore Peter by making him acknowledge his past, but also giving him something to look forward to. I would hate to systematize something like restoration into three easy steps, but we do see three things here that Jesus invites us into the restoration process. Step one is being reminded of God's faithfulness and invited back into a relationship with Him. Step two is deeply considering and facing our past sins and shortcomings. And three is being commissioned for something greater, being called up to something instead of just called out for something that we did. Do you need restoration today? Do you desire to be brought back? Hear the voice of Jesus calling you to remember his goodness, Consider your past and step into the future with boldness. Let this be an encouragement for you to stop running from your past, face it, process it, and allow restoration to have its full effect. In place of brokenness. As long as you keep it buried, you allow it to have power over you. The Resurrection is meant to empower us to move forward, away from the grave and out of our past sins and failures. We don't move on by ignoring the shame. Rather, with humble hearts and willing hands, we submit our lives to Jesus and embrace his grace. Join us for our next episode as Jesus gathers more of his disciples to teach them about the Resurrection way. We're going to conclude this part of the Jesus Podcast as Jesus ascends back into heaven. Then we're going to usher in an entire new season of the Jesus Podcast. Thanks for listening. Be sure to follow, subscribe and share with a friend.

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