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"Do You Love Me?"
Following their campfire breakfast together, Jesus felt it was important to ask Peter a few questions in front of the other disciples that were with them. Everyone knew that Peter had denied Jesus, yet it does not appear that Jesus had publicly addressed this. We can assume it was addressed privately when Jesus appeared to Peter on the day of His resurrection. To not speak of it at all with the group probably felt a bit like the elephant in the room - something everyone knew was there but no one was talking about. Jesus still had an important leadership calling for Peter, and in order for him to fulfill it the issue of the denial needed to be laid to rest in everyone’s minds.
While Jesus never specifically mentioned Peter’s denial, He asked Peter a similar clarifying question three times - just as Peter had denied Him three times. “Do you love me?” For each instance of public denial, Peter affirmed the opposite. He did love Jesus. In fact, he was grieved that Jesus felt He needed to ask three times. But it was important for Peter to think through his answer, and for the rest of the disciples with them to hear it. Jesus knew the answer to the question - as Peter pointed out - but Peter and the rest of the disciples needed to know the answer as well.
Jesus wanted more from Peter than just feelings of love. He wanted actions. Peter was charged to be a shepherd of those who needed to know Jesus and those who would choose to follow Him. This was to be his mission going forward. If he chose to live out his love for Jesus and accept the mission, it would lead to his death. With those words ringing in the air, Jesus still invited Peter: “Follow me.” It was the same invitation that He gave Peter at the beginning, after the first miraculous catch of fish. Now Peter had a better understanding of the cost of accepting the invitation. Despite that, as we continue reading Peter’s story in the book of Acts we can see that to him, the cost was worth it. Jesus was the Truth, and following Him was worth everything.
Reflection:
What would your response be the question Jesus asked Peter?
If following Jesus would cost you your life, would you still say yes to His invitation?
Scripture
About this Plan
The Apostle Peter is a pillar of the Christian faith. What can we learn from his life? This 30-Day Plan covers many Scripture passages that speak of Peter, helping us build a picture of his character and experiences. He was refined and redeemed through the love of Jesus, and was profoundly transformed by God’s call and the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
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