LOVE QUALIFIES US
Opening Prayer
Father, as I worship you today, may I be alive to the stirrings of your Spirit in my heart and mind.
Scripture Reference
JOHN 21:15–19
Read
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
Consider
Reflect on those times when your living for Jesus hasn’t been what you hoped. Where appropriate, reflect on the difference between your expectations of yourself and his: say sorry.
Think Further
Two different words for love are used in the dialogue between Jesus and Peter. The meanings of the words overlap and some conclude that the use of two similar words can’t be overly significant. However, they’re being used in a conversation. For example, if I tell my wife that I adore her and she replies that she loves me, we can all hear a distinction being made.
Jesus uses in verses 15 and 16 a word derived from agape, the distinctively Christian word especially associated with love as self- giving, humble service.1 Peter answers with a different word, derived from phileo, a word that means love, often associated with friendship. We need to note the other distinctions Jesus makes through the three questions: having asked Peter whether he loves him more than the others in verse 15 and whether he truly loves him in verse 16,2 Jesus uses Peter’s own word in verse 17 when he asks the question a third time. Peter is grieved both by the threefold repetition of the question and the diminishing love requested. He won’t claim anything now with words but will trust Jesus to know his heart (v 17b). Reminiscent of when he denied his Lord,3 Peter’s response of love draws forth a threefold reaffirmation of Jesus’ call: to teach and to pastor his flock.
Here Jesus publicly strengthens Peter’s leadership position and undoes his denials. Even the promise given in verses 18 and 19 does so. Peter had claimed to be willing to lay down his life for Jesus and had then failed to do so,4 but here Jesus assures Peter that he won’t be found wanting again when it comes to facing martyrdom. The risen Jesus reminds them all to get behind him again on the road: ‘Follow me!’ (vs 19,22).
Apply
Jesus asks us the same question he asked Peter. It is love for him that qualifies us to serve.
Closing Prayer
Mighty God, penetrate the corners of my heart and give me a right faith, a certain hope, and a perfect love for you.
1 Used throughout 1 Cor 13 2 How the NIV 1984 edition renders the use of agape 3 John 18:17,25–27 4 John 13:37
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Last Updated on August 20, 2022 by kingstar
