You're watching Jesus do a kind thing.
You can tell just be looking at the two of them that Jesus really isn't all that upset about Peter denying him three times. In one sense, it wasn't a big deal - for Jesus. It was one of hose things that can happen when someone is in a tight spot.
Jesus never for an instant doubted Peter's love. You can tell that Jesus feels sorry for him, because he knows how bad peter's been feeling since it happened.
Peter is hurting. He's embarrassed. Not just embarrassed. humiliated, ashamed. how could he have done such a thing?!
Jesus wants to give him a chance to undo it. Three times Peter denied him. Now, three times he will get a chance to say how much he loves him.
It's a kind thing that Jesus is doing.
You'd give anything to be in Peter's shoes right now. There have been times when you've let the Lord down. And let yourself down. You'd like a chance to undo some of the things you've done. You'd love to tell the Lord that you're sorry, and you really do love him (and to hear him speak words of forgiveness).
Just what Peter is doing.
- Little White Book, Diocese of Saginaw