Do You Love Me?

Scripture: John 21:15-19 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” (John 21:15-19 NLT)

Peter was still living under a cloud of regret and sorrow. On the night of Jesus’ great battle to redeem our lives, he had three times denied that he even knew Jesus. Jesus loved Peter and he gave Peter the opportunity to reaffirm what he had, on that terrible night, denied with a curse—three times denied, three times reaffirmed. It hurt Peter that Jesus kept asking him, “Do you love me?” Sometimes it’s painful to get the truth out into the open, you know! It’s painful, but it’s worth it!

Peter had displayed his natural leadership ability the night before when he said, “I’m going fishing!” and the others followed him. Fishing was Peter’s default setting, so when he was frustrated and confused, he naturally reverted to the role of “fisherman.” Now Jesus is resetting Peter’s defaults. No more a fisherman. At least not a very effective one! In fact Peter had spent the whole night on the lake and caught nothing. Now not a fisherman, but a shepherd! And not a shepherd’s position, but a shepherd’s identity and task. This “reset” stuck with Peter for life. Many years later, Peter would write these words to young and old leaders in the church:  “2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” (1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT)

Then Jesus said to Peter what he still says to his disciples today, “Follow me!”

Prayer:

Father, I love you and I am privileged to say, “I will follow Jesus!” Amen!