How many times in life have we said these words to someone we love? Probably a lot if you have children or a spouse. We usually say it already knowing the answer, but we like to hear it. Sometimes it is a question to make the other person think. This is the question Jesus asks Peter in John chapter 21, “Lovest thou me?” Jesus was asking Peter if he loved him more than anything else.
In verse 15 they had finished their meal and Jesus turned to Simon Peter and said do you love me more than these. We do not know for sure what Jesus was referring to. Some think it was all of his fishing items. These are the things that had been part of Peter’s life as a means of supporting himself and his family. He was a fisherman by occupation. Jesus may have been asking do you love me enough to leave all of this and follow me. We know that when Jesus called Peter and his brother to follow him they were fishing. In Matthew 4:18-19 Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee and saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother throwing out their nets to catch fish. In verse 19 he gives them a command, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Others think he may have been referring to the other disciples. They had been together for the entire time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Peter had vehemently declared his love for Jesus before He died in Matthew 26:33 “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.” Yet in a few short hours, Peter would prove he did not know his own heart as he denied Jesus three times.
When Jesus asks Peter these three times if he loves Him, He gives him a command to show his love. The first time Jesus asks Peter to feed his sheep. The word feed in the Greek language means to nourish and care for his lambs. Lambs are the most vulnerable ones in the flock. They must have a shepherd to follow closely to know what to do and where to go. It is the same in the church with those who are baby Christians. In verse 16 Jesus asks again for Peter to feed His sheep. This time feed means to govern, care for, guide, and protect. This would include the entire church of believers. Each time Jesus asks the question Peter responds, yes Lord you know that I love you.
John 21:1517 “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
Jesus was not looking for the intent of Peter’s heart, He already knew that, but He was asking Peter to come to grips with the tasks at hand. He was asking Peter to go and spread the word and win others to Him. He wanted Peter to understand there was a great job to do and it needed more than verbal acknowledgement.
Before Jesus’ death, Peter had spoken of his love for Christ with boldness without thinking it through. He had not prepared his heart for the fear of possibly losing his own life because of his love for Jesus. He was speaking from his emotions. Now, he must proclaim his love and show it through his obedience. He must take care of training and loving those who were now trusting Christ and continue to preach Christ to others. We know from the book of Acts that Peter was true to his word this time. In Acts chapter 2 there were over three thousand saved and baptized.
Act 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
How do we make application of this question that Jesus asks Peter three times? Do you love Him enough to let your family know that you cannot attend certain functions because you don’t want to miss church? Have you told the coach that your child will give his all when they have practice but on Wednesday night and Sunday morning and night your child will be at church? Have you told your boss that worship comes first when you are asked to take an extra shift? Have you told Jesus yes when you are prompted to witness, to put yourself out for others, or to give up your time to relax to show hospitality? What about giving up sleep to have quiet time with Jesus?
Jesus asks each of us the same question He asks Peter. Do you love me? Are you denying yourself daily as Paul teaches us in I Corinthians 15:31 “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” Do you love Him enough to obey without thinking of how hard or uncomfortable it may be? Do you love Him enough that your desire is only to please Him?
Others may say you are being too hard on yourself, but Jesus says to take up our cross and follow Him.
Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
