John 21:15-17
When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, 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.” A third time he said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” Peter said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!” He said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Of all the interesting people in the Bible, Peter has to be one of the more earthy, yet complex personalities you will find. His earthiness was described in various stories throughout the New Testament. He went from cutting someone’s ear off to protect Jesus, to cussing folk out for saying he knew Jesus. From denying Christ three times, being bodacious enough to walk on water, to his actions in today’s scripture lesson where he jumps out of a boat ahead of all his partners to prove his affection for the Lord. Peter was seriously flawed. Arguably, too flawed to be the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ. But, on the other hand, Peter had leadership qualities that none of the other disciples seemed to possess. So much so, Jesus hand picked him, knowing full well of his bravado and self aggrandizing ways.
In his Epistle, John writes about Peter and his call to leadership, but spares no detail informing us of his carnal nature and impetuous characteristics. He was brash, but bold. Cocky, but confident. But to his credit, he had one major talent that the Church needed. Peter was a leader that commanded the attention of whoever he was around. Including John. So when Peter announced he was going back to fishing, the disciples followed him.
Isn’t it good to know you don’t have to be perfect for the Lord to use you?
This morning we are reviewing the scripture where Jesus engages Peter in a discussion of great significance. Both for Peter and for us. Peter spent the entire earthly ministry of Christ trying to prove himself. In every way imaginable, he tried to demonstrate why he was more beloved than John, more faithful than James, more spiritual than Thomas, and just better than the rest. And his zeal, confidence, demeanor and dogged determination got him somewhere. But sadly not exactly where Jesus needed him to be.
Peter’s propensity toward self promotion placed him squarely outside the loving and inclusive nature of Christ and his Kingdom culture. While Peter undoubtedly loved the things of Christ, he had yet to display his undying love for Christ. Consequently, when speaking to him in John 21:15-17 Jesus had no choice but to ask, “Do you love me”.
But here is where it gets difficult. Like Peter, I imagine all of us would answer the exact same way. And based on what we’ve done to prove our devotion, we probably feel a bit entitled, just like Peter. I paid my tithes. Preach, teach, sing, been in countless Zoom meetings. I’m holding it down better than most. But I hear Jesus answering our self righteous quotes with the exact response he gave Peter. If you love me…
The act of proving love is not influenced by the response of people watching, but measured by the satisfaction the subject of your affection has with your actions. Peter was busy trying to prove his devotion to everyone except Jesus. All Jesus really wanted was for him to care for his sheep.
This resonates so much with me because there’s so much I want to do in life. I have dozens of ministry goals. I have plans, strategies, agendas, programs and all kinds of business plans. But I clearly hear the Lord’s voice speaking today. If we love him, souls must be first on our minds. If we love him, simply singing to folk, preaching at folk, and inviting folk to worship and praise is not enough. The true call of the believer is about engagement. Jesus calls us to be in relationship with people. To love them. Nurture them. Care and provide for them. Basically feed and shepherd them with the same intensity we would in tending to helpless lambs.
Dear Lambs of God, the level of selflessness and self-sacrifice the Lord is calling for cannot be developed carnally or naturally. It is of supernatural and Spiritual origin. But possess it we must. Walking on water is great. Being selected for leadership is wonderful. But at the end of the day, only what you do for Christ will last. Jesus is crystal clear. ‘It has to be my way, that’s if you love me.’
God bless
