A Relief?

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Of course, I have no idea what was going on in Peter's mind during his conversation with Jesus on the shore, but if it had been me (I?) in his place, I might have been incredibly relieved to hear Jesus prophesy a martyr's death for me, otherwise every moment for the rest of my life I'd always be wondering if I was going to deny Him again the next time my life was in danger.

If so, then those were the kindest words Jesus could have spoken!

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" John 21

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