Do You Love Me?

 John 21: 15-19

Jesus and Peter

¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Jesus draws a three-fold affirmation of love and fidelity from Peter to offset his three-fold denial when Jesus was arrested.  Jesus did not hold the denial against Peter, but wanted to give him firm footing on the new ground of love and faith. Jesus witnessed Peter's weakness but also saw his potential as a strong leader and wants Peter to see it and accept it too;  This is a wonderful scene in which each one of us could be the Peter.  We have had our shaky moments, but Jesus doesn't hold them against us, rather he uses them to strengthen us as he did to Peter. All things work to the good.  As we meditate on this passage, may we hear Jesus ask each one of us, "Do you love me?" and let us follow his command to feed his sheep,   With him on our side, we have more to offer than we think.  Let us 'DO WHATEVER HE TELLS US,: 

Bro. Rene