St. Peter’s shot at redemption
The Greek is key here. Jesus asks a direct question to Peter. Peter evades it, responding indirectly. Jesus repeats the question. Peter ducks it a second time. Rather than letting him thrice avoid the direct question, Jesus changes the question, now using Peter’s terms. Now Peter, distressed, responds directly and in the affirmative.
The difference is between the two words which both read in English as “love,” agapao and phileo. Jesus asks Peter for the one kind of love and in response given is the second kind of love. This happens a second time. Rather than it happening a third time, Jesus adjusts his request to correspond to the second kind of love.
Nevertheless, in case this adjustment may seem like a concession to Peter’s inability to respond in kind to Jesus’ request, Jesus reassures Peter by foretelling that, when he grows old, he will lay down his life. Thus Jesus makes his own the word Peter spoke rashly at the last supper “I will lay down my life for you.” Now Peter, having thrice affirmed his love, albeit in a chastened manner, hears not a prediction of betrayal but of consummation and redemption.
Jesus wants Peter to win. “I have prayed for you.” May St. Peter continue to strengthen his brothers.