SCRIPTURE:
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you 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 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.”
John 21:15-17
OBSERVATION:
Peter finds himself going back to what he was doing before he was called – fishing. After eating and sitting around a fire, Jesus asks him some pointed questions.
APPLICATION:
For every no that Peter gave in denial (John 13:38), he has the opportunity to make things right and in response, to say yes to Jesus. Surprisingly, Jesus doesn’t ask Peter “Why did you deny me?” He doesn’t question Peter’s loyalty. He doesn’t even get upset with him.
Jesus simply asks Peter “Do you love me more than these?”
It doesn’t indicate what “these” relates to, yet as I place myself in Peter’s position and see through his eyes, things come to the surface.
Jesus is asking me the same. Do you love me more than the things of this life, your interests, people, your wants and desires?
And I can’t but help to put my name in his place: “Rien, do you love me more than these?”
And He gives me the choice, just as he gives all of us a choice. The opportunity to respond with either a yes or no.
When you begin to spend time with Jesus, begin to allow Him to feed you and as you begin to hear His voice, begin to hear the call He has for you, you’ll need to respond for yourself.
When Jesus asks, “Do you love me more than these?” I must continue to say Yes and in turn walk it out.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have denied You. Thank You Lord for continuing to pursue me. May I always say Yes to You, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
