Daily Devotion, August 12, 2020

Devotion: Read John 21:15-19.

The resurrected Jesus had prepared a charcoal fire breakfast of bread and fish to give to the hungry and weary disciples who had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Impetuous Peter appears to be leading the small band of disciples on the fishing journey and to the shoreline to meet Jesus. During breakfast, Jesus asked Peter the question which goes straight to Peter’s heart and soul. “Peter, do you love me more than these?” And Jesus asks this question three times. In this way, Jesus lets Peter know that he has forgiven him for his denial three times during Jesus’ crucifixion. And in forgiving Peter, Jesus restores Peter and gives him his purpose again….to feed and shepherd Jesus’ sheep, and eventually to be the servant leader of the church.

 

In this one question asked three times, “Do you love me?”, there is this sense of the compelling calling of Jesus, first to relationship----not to an organization, club, institution, business, country, or nationality, but to Jesus, the Son of God. This question reaches into the depths of one’s soul and life. This question gives our lives meaning and purpose. This question brings the depths and heights of joy on a journey with Jesus, but it will not be an easy journey. Love is like that.

There is so much redemption in this story of Jesus and Peter’s conversation over the breakfast Jesus has prepared. Peter had to be wondering, “Does Jesus know that I denied him three times?” Peter had to be wondering that when he smelled the charcoal fire burning. The last time he smelled that kind of fire was in the home and conversation with Caiphas, the same night Peter had denied Jesus three times. Peter had had to be wondering that when Jesus asked him the question three times.

The words, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.” caught my attention as I read this passage in The Message. Jesus knows everything about us and still loves us, forgives us and still has a purpose for our lives---to serve others. We are not perfect, but Jesus still loves us. Personal Worship Option: Today as you are reading this during breakfast, lunch, dinner or your nighttime snack, hear Jesus’ offer of love, forgiveness and a new beginning into your life. And hear his question and purpose into your life too, “Do you love me? Feed and shepherd my sheep.”