Love and Faithfulness
Story★★★One of Scotland’s great preachers, Dr. Alexander Whyte, once told the touching story of an old Scottish woman who lay dying. Her husband, with sorrowful heart, sat holding her hand, and, breaking through a lifetime of reserve, said tenderly, “Janet, if ever a woman was loved, I love you.” A smile lit up the face of the dying woman as she replied, “‘I aye kenned it, John; but, oh, to hear you say it!” Christ knew Peter’s heart when He addressed the words, ““Lovest thou me?” to him. . . . He knew that Peter loved Him, and was only waiting fearfully, knowing he was unworthy of forgiveness, again to come near his Lord and show himself a true disciple. _
The point
An old Scottish husband's tender confession of love to his dying wife pictures how Christ already knew Peter's love, yet still wanted to hear him say it and welcome him back.