Devotion:
Read John 21:15-17.
Since love is at the center of our lives, it is not surprising that Jesus would press Peter with the question of “Do you love me?” Peter had denied Jesus three times when he found himself under questioning in the courtyard of the high priest during Jesus’ trial. Peter felt terrible after he had done that. Then Jesus died on the cross for our sins. That probably made Peter feel even worse.
Now Jesus was alive, raised from the dead by the power of God. Jesus wanted Peter to be restored as a faithful disciple. So Jesus asked Peter three questions, paralleling his three denials. “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” By asking this question three times, Jesus was urging Peter to look deep into his heart, to see whether his love for Christ was real and steadfast. Before Peter could truly follow Christ and lead the church, his heart needed to be completely given to Christ. He had to completely love the one that he had denied.
Jesus' loving confrontation of Peter wasn't about shaming Peter, but reclaiming him. Jesus reaffirmed Peter's call to ministry three times.
“Feed My Sheep”, which meant His people. So it is with us. We as believers should constantly be assessing and renewing our discipleship. Jesus wants one thing more than anything else. He wants our love. Do we love him more than anything and anyone else?
Personal Worship Option:
Holy Spirit, penetrate the layers of self-defense in our hearts so that we can learn the truth about how much we love Jesus. Then fill us with love for him. Amen.
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