"The Saviour's manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and for his brethren. It taught them to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him never faltered. Just such love should the undershepherd feel for the sheep and lambs committed to his care. Remembering his own weakness and failure, Peter was to deal with his flock as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him. DA 815.1"
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."
The EGW passage directly interprets and expands upon the implications of Jesus's interaction with Peter in John 21:15, particularly the call to 'feed my lambs' and the underlying need for love and forgiveness. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct application of the principle demonstrated in the biblical narrative.
"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;"
Both passages discuss the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God, emphasizing the importance of doing so willingly and with the right attitude. While John 21:15 provides the initial context of Peter's restoration and commission, 1 Peter 5:2 offers further instruction on how to fulfill that role. The EGW passage connects these ideas.
"The question that Christ had put to Peter was significant. He mentioned only one condition of discipleship and service. “Lovest thou Me?” He said. This is the essential qualification. Though Peter might possess every other, yet without the love of Christ he could not be a faithful shepherd over the Lord's flock. Knowledge, benevolence, eloquence, gratitude, and zeal are all aids in the good work; but without the love of Jesus in the heart, the work of the Christian minister is a failure. DA 815.2"
"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."
The EGW passage directly quotes and elaborates on the question Jesus poses to Peter in John 21:15, making it a clear and intentional reference.
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
Both passages emphasize the primacy of love (charity) over other gifts and abilities. While the context differs (Peter's commission vs. spiritual gifts), the underlying principle is the same: love is essential for effective ministry and service. The EGW passage draws a parallel between the necessity of love in Peter's role as a shepherd and the general principle outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.
Jesus walked alone with Peter, for there was something which He wished to communicate to him only. Before His death, Jesus had said to him, “Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards.” To this Peter had replied, “Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” John 13:36, 37 . When he said this, he little knew to what heights and depths Christ's feet would lead the way. Peter had failed when the test came, but again he was to have opportunity to prove his love for Christ. That he might be strengthened for the final test of his faith, the Saviour opened to him his future. He told him that after living a life of usefulness, when age was telling upon his strength, he would indeed follow his Lord. Jesus said, “When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Thi…
"Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake."
The EGW passage directly quotes John 13:37.
"Jesus thus made known to Peter the very manner of his death; He even foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross. Again He bade His disciple, “Follow Me.” Peter was not disheartened by the revelation. He felt willing to suffer any death for his Lord. DA 815.4"
"This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me."
The EGW passage directly alludes to John 21:19, referencing both the manner of Peter's death and the command to 'Follow me'.
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage directly references Peter's death and connects it to the call to 'follow me,' which is a central theme in Matthew 16:24 regarding discipleship and taking up one's cross. The passage amplifies the idea of following Christ even unto death.
"Christ was all in all. Now he was prepared to share in his Lord's mission of sacrifice. When at last brought to the cross, he was, at his own request, crucified with his head downward. He thought it too great an honor to suffer in the same way as his Master did. DA 815.5"
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
The EGW passage describes Peter's crucifixion upside down, highlighting his humility and willingness to sacrifice, which aligns with the theme of Christ's humility and obedience unto death on the cross in Philippians 2:8. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is strong.