Follow me. With these two words, Peter’s (as well as the other apostles’) rehabilitation was complete. Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to Peter and the others at the Sea of Tiberias was symbolic of the new developments that were taking place in the Jesus’ community (those gathered around Jesus). The arrest and crucifixion of Jesus had not only led to the scattering of the disciples but also to what can be seen as a setback in their call and mission. Jesus’ death had thrown them into utter confusion and anxiety. They were not yet ready to have Jesus withdrawn from their midst, for they were still  learners, so to speak. With their  de facto leader and master gone, they needed someone upon whom they could turn for direction and guidance. When they turned to Peter upon whose shoulders the physical absence of Jesus had thrust the yoke of leadership, he took them back fishing. Peter didn’t know what else to do or say. Circumstances had forced them to turn their backs on the call of being fishers of men.
When Jesus appeared to them on this particular morning, therefore, he offered them an opportunity to redeem themselves (do you love me). He was not going to force them. It had to be voluntary. They had seen for themselves what following him entails, and so it was up to them to decide. Both Jesus and the apostles knew what had happened during his arrest, how Peter had denied him, and how the group had abandoned him on the cross. Jesus knew their saying yes to his second invitation might as well be out of guilt for having abandoned their cause. And so before he could accept any “yes” from them, he reminded them that following him was both a mission of service (tend my sheep) and self-renunciation (someone else will lead you to a place where you do not want to go). This was where it took him (Jesus), and this was where it will take them (the disciples). They had to be aware of this fact for only then were they fit to follow Jesus.