Gospel

Do You Love Me?

by Roland Crim
01/11/17
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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.” 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.” 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. 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.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:15-19

The number three is a significant number in the Bible. Just a few times are listed here: Jonah was spewed out of the mouth of the whale on the third day. Jesus raised three people from the dead: the widow’s only son, Jairus’ daughter, and Lazarus. Peter denied Christ three times before the Lord was crucified. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. We can add to that list here that the Lord asked Peter three times if he loved Him. The first time the question adds even more, with Jesus saying “Do you love me more than these?”

Why did Jesus ask Peter the question three times? Could Jesus have intended a very subtle reference to the three denials of Peter? Maybe Peter being hurt when Christ asked him the third time brought to Peter’s mind his three denials of Christ. I believe the main reason for the repeated question is that Christ wished Peter to understand the significance of his forthcoming mission. The man who had denied Christ three times was to be the rock upon which Christ built His church. Peter was to be the earthly leader in the move forward of this church of our Savior. Jesus told Peter to take care of and feed Christ’s sheep.

Just as Peter was told to feed Christ’s sheep 2000 years ago, we today are also told to feed the sheep of the Lord. For those who have been saved, we can and need to fellowship with them, sharing our lives and encouraging them in their lives of serving the Lord. There are also lost sheep who are destined to come to the Lord. And part of this eternal destiny is our participation in helping God’s perfect plan to happen. What a true blessing this is to us!



Just as Christ commanded Peter then, He now commands us: "Follow me!"

Lord, thank you that you built your church. Just as you chose Peter to shepherd your flock as you returned to the Heavenly Father, help us so that we might be humble vessels for the advancement of the Father’s kingdom. Stay with us always and guide us on your narrow path! AMEN!