Jesus then said to Peter, “Follow me.” With these two words, the rehabilitation of Jesus’ disciples 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 amongst the disciples of Jesus. The arrest and crucifixion of Jesus had led not only to the scattering of his followers but also to what can be seen as a setback in their call and mission. Jesus’ violent arrest and death had thrown them into utter confusion and anxiety. The disciples were not yet ready to have Jesus withdrawn from their midst, for they were still learners, so to speak.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 and the other ten didn’t have any idea on how to proceed without Jesus. Circumstances had forced them to turn their backs on the commission they had received from Jesus: to become fishers of men. For all intents and purposes, circumstances had forced them to turn their backs on Jesus.
When Jesus, therefore, appeared to the eleven on this particular morning, he offered them an opportunity to redeem themselves (to reclaim their identity as his companions). Jesus’ question to Peter (do you love me?) was meant to rekindle the spark of discipleship that was slowly being put out by fear. Although directed to Peter, it was a question that was addressed to the entire group. He was giving them the opportunity to renew their YES. But it was clear he was not going to force them to renew their YES. It had to be voluntary. It had to come from their understanding of what it meant. They had seen for themselves what following him entails, and so it was up to them to decide. Both Jesus and the eleven knew what had happened during his arrest: how Peter had denied him; and how the group had abandoned him while he was hanging upon the cross. Jesus knew their saying YES to his second invitation might as well be out of guilt for having abandoned him. 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 would they be fit to follow Jesus.