[Anglican Devotional 14 April 2023] Topic: Do You Love Me?
TOPIC: Do You Love Me?
READ: John 21: 15-17 (NKJV)
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, [son] of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
THE MESSAGE:
Jesus asked Simon Peter whether he loved Him three times in this short passage. Peter himself was grieved when the question came the third time (verse 17). His response each time was in the affirmative, “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” One may wonder why this question was directed to Peter only, and not to the other disciples. It could be because Peter was the one who drew the other disciples away on that particular fishing exercise (verse 3). In any case, Jesus redirected Peter to what should be his focus for the rest of his life, not just as a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19), but also as a shepherd. Notice the phrase “Tend my sheep” or “Feed my sheep” in the three verses. Surely the proof of your love for God in not in mere words but is demonstrated in commitment towards building up weaker brethren unto maturity.
Is there any way you have abandoned your main responsibility, or lost your first love for the Lord Jesus Christ, as a Christian (Revelation 2:4-5)? Have you become lukewarm in your faith or devoted your love and energies to the cares of this life to the detriment of your relationship with God (Luke 21:34)? Has your behaviour also made others who are looking up to you to derail from their calling? As Jesus restored Peter, may you take necessary steps today to receive full restoration.
PRAYER: O Lord, enable me to love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.
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