John 21:15-17
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 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.
It’s sadly ironic how we spend so much time and energy trying to perfect ourselves only to discover that according to the Bible, our attempt at righteousness is nothing more than “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). To make the transition from dirty to clean, death to life, wicked to holy, requires more than we could ever muster within ourselves. We don’t have the capacity. But thank God we have access to the Father’s heart through Jesus Christ. It’s in him alone that we find refuge and salvation. That’s why knowing and loving him is essential.
Though we don’t talk about it often, there’s a stark difference between religion and relationship. Religion seeks to satisfy God by upholding rules and regulations. Relationship seeks to reach the heart of the Father. The strength of religion is fear of failure and the threat of impending doom. But the power of relationship is love. And love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).
As we delve into our scripture lesson this morning we see the power of a loving relationship in action through the exchange of Peter and Jesus. In this account John testifies the Risen Christ appears to the disciples and shares a meal with them all; but afterward pulls Peter aside to ask him the most important question of his life. “Peter, do you love me?” But it wasn’t simply a rhetorical question with a simple response. It came with conditions. Because if the answer was yes, then Peter was going to have to make some life changes.
Of all the disciples, Peter was often the most demonstrative in his display of devotion. He was first to speak up, first to jump out front and first to claim leadership. But his bold actions hid a heart that was too tightly held to personal ambition, desires and goals. This selfish tendency was in full view with his denial of Christ during the crucifixion and again with his insistence in maintaining Hebrew law. So when Jesus asked, “do you love me”, it was more than just a simple question. It was a challenge to deeper relationship.
To truly love requires a level of selflessness that negates personal interests, goals and aspirations. You can’t fully love and hold yourself in highest regard. There has to be a transference of affection, aspiration, and strong intention to please.
So when Jesus asked does he actually love him more than the other disciples (since he was such a show off), he required that Peter demonstrate his deep devotion by promising to care for the people of God with the same level of care and concern that he always provided.
Then Jesus asked Peter a second time the same question. And though the wording was the same, it resonated with Peter differently. This inquiry seemingly was to confirm Peter not only heard what Jesus said, but what Jesus was really saying. Peter needed to understand nothing was more important than the people of God. The people are more important than rules, regulations, programs, positions, titles or anything. If he was truly going to prove his love to the Lord, he had one obligation. Feed the sheep.
And finally Jesus asked the same question a third time. The Bible says Peter became a bit agitated by it. But I can only imagine deep inside he knew what was being asked. Jesus had already let Peter know he would have to sacrifice his life for the ministry. He already knew he was selected to be a martyr. What Jesus was asking Peter (and each of us) is will he stay faithful to the call to preach, teach and disciple souls even when it’s inconvenient, unpopular, difficult and even dangerous?
The question is how much do you love HIM. Can you count the ways?
God Bless
