The disciples head just finished eating a hardy breakfast with Jesus, when Jesus repeats those now famous questions, "Simon, Son of Jonas, do you love me more than these?" (John 21:15-17).
There are three separate words for love in Greek. Jesus uses two of these. The two times he asks Peter about his love, he uses agape. It means a unselfish outgoing affection and tenderness for another without necessarily expecting anything in return (RSV glossary).
When Peter answers Jesus, he uses the word for love that denotes a mutual interest or kindly drawing toward another, Phileo. This kind of love can be alienated by an ungracious or unworthy response. It is almost like saying, "I love you if you do not hurt me."
The third time Jesus asks the question, "do you love me?" he uses Peter's word for love that means kindly affection. Jesus calls us to a higher plane of love, but he is willing to meet us where we are.
