How does Jesus' question to Peter in John 21:15 challenge our love for Him? The Setting: Breakfast by the Sea John 21 opens with the risen Christ meeting seven disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. After a miraculous catch and a charcoal-fire breakfast, the Lord turns to Peter in front of everyone. The scene is public, tender, and weighty—perfect for a heart-searching question. The Question Itself “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15) • “Do you love Me” (agapáō): sacrificial, covenant devotion. • “More than these”: either the other disciples or the boat, nets, and fish—everything that once defined Peter’s life. Either way, Jesus forces Peter to weigh every competing loyalty against supreme love for Him. Why the Question Stings—And Heals • Peter had loudly claimed superior devotion (Matthew 26:33). • He denied Jesus three times (John 18:17-27). • Now, with three affirmations of love, Jesus restores him. • The Lord’s inquiry digs beneath guilt to expose affections, because true restoration goes deeper than forgiveness; it reorients love. Love in Jesus’ Vocabulary: Action, Not Sentiment Each time Peter answers, Jesus commands: “Feed My lambs… Shepherd My sheep… Feed My sheep.” • Love for Christ overflows in practical care for His people (1 John 3:18). • Obedience proves affection: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Christ redefines greatness as humble service (Mark 10:43-45). The Challenge to Us Today • Exclusive Devotion: Do our careers, hobbies, or relationships outrank Christ? (Luke 14:26). • Comparative Love: Do we quietly measure ourselves against others, as Peter once did, instead of fixing on Jesus alone? (2 Corinthians 10:12). • Tangible Expression: Does our confessed love translate into time, resources, and energy spent on His flock? (1 John 4:20-21). • Grace-Fueled Service: Like Peter, we serve out of forgiven failure, not flawless performance (Ephesians 2:8-10). Feed My Sheep: What That Looks Like Now • Gospel-Centered Teaching—passing on sound doctrine (2 Timothy 2:2). • Compassionate Care—meeting physical needs of saints and strangers (James 2:15-16). • Prayerful Intercession—standing in the gap for Christ’s people (Colossians 4:12). • Disciple-Making—guiding others to maturity (Matthew 28:19-20). Love That Grows Through Testing Jesus later tells Peter, “When you were young… when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands” (John 21:18-19). • Cost: Peter’s love will lead to martyrdom. • Confidence: The Lord entrusts Peter with sheep because grace can transform the weakest denier into a faithful shepherd (Philippians 1:6). Key Takeaways • Christ’s question exposes idols and invites deeper allegiance. • Love for Jesus is measured by sacrificial obedience, not sentiment. • Restoration after failure equips us to serve, not sideline us. • Every believer is called to “feed” someone—family, church, neighbor—with the truth and love of Christ. |
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