Do You Love Jesus?
GOSPEL READING: John 21:15-19
| 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” |
A Love That Restores
On the shore of the sea, Jesus did not confront Peter with anger or condemnation. Instead, He met him with grace.
Only days earlier, Peter had denied even knowing Christ three times. Yet the risen Savior gave him three opportunities to openly declare his love.
Jesus was not merely asking for words. He was calling Peter into complete devotion — a love greater than comfort, security, ambition, or the life he once knew.
“Do you love Me more than these?”
Perhaps Jesus was pointing to the fishing boats and nets beside them — reminders of Peter’s former life. Perhaps He was addressing Peter’s old pride and confidence. Whatever the meaning, the question reached the deepest part of Peter’s heart.
And Peter, now humbled, no longer boasted of his own strength. He simply entrusted himself to the knowledge and mercy of Christ:
“Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
The Cost of Following Christ
Jesus made it clear that love for Him would require surrender.
The path ahead for Peter would not be easy. Christ foretold the suffering Peter would one day endure in glorifying God. Yet even with that warning, Jesus still gave the same invitation:
“Follow Me.”
To follow Christ means allowing His love to transform every part of our lives. His love frees us from fear, pride, selfishness, and sin. It teaches us to serve others with humility and faithfulness.
God’s love is not temporary or conditional. It remains steadfast even when we fail.
As Scripture says:
Psalms 103:11–12
| “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” |
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
teach me to love You above all else. Remove everything in my heart that keeps me distant from Your will.
Give me the courage to follow You faithfully, even when the path is difficult. Let my life reflect Your grace, humility, and truth.
Amen.he love of God. He loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding graciousness and mercy towards us. Do you allow God’s love to fill your heart and transform your life?