"Do you love Me?"

During church yesterday we discussed John 21; it was a wonderful Bible study! What struck me the most and is still on my mind is John 21:15-19. In previous chapters we read that Peter denied Jesus 3 times throughout His trial and crucifixion (John 18:15-27). Now in John 21, Jesus has risen from the grave and has appeared to some of His disciples; Peter being one of them. In verses 15-19 Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him; agape love - an unconditional love. Peter responds 'Yes Lord, You know that I love You'; phileo love - to be fond of, brotherly love. Jesus tells him to feed His lambs.

Again Jesus asks Peter if he agape loves Him and Peter says, 'Yes Lord, You know that I (phileo) love You.' Jesus tells him to tend His sheep.

Wow; this got to me. I can see Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him like nothing else; above and beyond anything, that he would live for and die for Him. And Peter, he turns around and says, yes Lord, I love You like a brother; I am pretty fond of You...Wow; what God must have felt. I can see Jesus asking me, 'Shanna, do you (agape) love Me?' My heart screams 'LORD, My God, I love (agape) You so much!', but do my actions and daily life show this? Can I ever love God as He loves me? The answer I think is no, but I pray I can love (agape) God to the best of my ability.

Coming back to John 21, Jesus then restores Peter by asking him a 3rd time, 'Do you love me?', but this time He uses phileo. Can you imagine how Peter felt knowing he denied Christ 3 times and now this? I can imagine it when I look at the sin in my own life. Peter responds honestly 'Lord You know all things. You know that I love (phileo) You.'

Jesus responds by saying, 'Feed my sheep,' and then 'Follow Me.'

Despite Peter's past, despite his current state, God had plans for him. Peter; his job was to follow God step by step. Peter; he did his job. He grew as a man and he grew in God! Me? I am to follow God step by step. He has plans... I will follow. I pray we 'follow Him' as Peter did. May we grow in love (agape) every day; only possible through and with God!

Peace and Joy to you!
~Shanna~