How Much Do You Love Me? (John 21:15-17)

Lesson #338

At the end of the previous lesson, we left Jesus and the disciples enjoying a breakfast of fish and bread. They should be finished by now: “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.”” (John 21:15 ESV). It is now time for Jesus to help Peter through a difficult time, just as he helps us through difficult times when we need help. Out of pride, Peter had boasted that even in the face of death he would not deny Jesus, but in the courtyard, outside where Jesus was being tried, he denied him three times. Peter was devastated when he realized, as the roster crowed the second time, that he had denied Jesus just as predicted, and now Jesus wants to restore him because there is some important work for Peter to do after Jesus ascends into heaven.

Peter had professed a closer and a more affectionate relationship with Jesus than the other disciples, and yet no one, other than Judas, had treated Jesus so severely. Jesus is now going to confront Peter and determine what his love for him really is and so he asks Peter if he loved him more than the other disciples did. That is a question that Peter could not answer because he could only account for his own love for Jesus. Thus, Peter responds with, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus responds with, “Feed my lambs.”

The meaning of the Greek word from which feed comes, portrays the duty of a Christian teacher to promote in every way the spiritual welfare of the members of the church. Jesus asks Peter the same question again: “He said to him a second time, “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.”” (John 21:16 ESV). The answer Peter gives is the same as the first time, but Jesus gives a different command. He tells Peter to tend his sheep. The meaning of the Greek word from which tend comes, denotes rather the care, guidance, and protection which a shepherd extends to his flock. Jesus then asks Peter 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.”” (John 21:17 ESV). In his response to Peter, Jesus returns to the first command to feed his sheep.

In the next lesson we will return to these verses and consider the expressions containing love and also look at the meaning of lambs and sheep.

Prayer

Father, this lesson raises some important questions we each need to consider. Jesus asked Peter how much he loved him. If he were to ask you, how would you answer? Each time Jesus asked that question he followed Peters answer with a command to do something as a validation of his answer. If our level of obedience determines our love for Jesus, then what can we say about how much we love Jesus? Love is not a feeling; it is a sacrifice that benefits the one being loved. Jesus loved us so much he was willing to ie for our salvation. How much are we willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the kingdom of God? Father, encourage our hearts and direct our focus on that which is important and eternal.