John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The disciples had walked with Jesus for a time and come to know Him and believe He was the Son of God. Especially after His resurrection, they could understand more fully what it meant that they walked with God Himself. So what was it like for Peter to be there with Jesus now, knowing that He knew everything? Knowing that every thought and desire and secret was exposed and unhidden from the one who knows all things? Knowing that everything in his heart and mind was laid bare before his Lord?

Was Peter’s exasperation partly from this? “Lord, You already know everything. I cannot hide my true feelings from You. So if You know already, why do You keep asking me this question?” If Jesus knew already, perhaps it wasn’t for His own sake, then, but for Peter’s. The love for Jesus that resided in Peter’s heart would have to become obedience to Jesus’ will for his life. It would have to be something he lived out in continuing to follow the Lord after He ascended to heaven.

Of course, even though Jesus does not walk among us in the flesh, He still knows all things. He knows everything about each of us. He knows our hearts, our minds, all that is within us, our love for Hiim or a lack thereof. He knows the purposes and plans that He has for us. He knows our future and everything that will come to pass. And He leads us along, our faithful Shepherd, Lord, and guide, to go forward into all that He would have us to do.