Scripture:
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly 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. I tell you the truth, 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
Observation:
The thing that strikes me about this portion of Scripture in today’s reading is Jesus’ one on one conversation with Peter. Peter had denied Jesus three times, and here Jesus gives Peter three
opportunities to express his love for Him. But this conversation makes me wonder what would my response be to Jesus if we were to have this same conversation. It is easy to say the words but to have true meaning to them is altogether another matter. After affirming his love for Jesus, Jesus then tells Peter to follow Him – so he is telling Peter to show the love he has for HIm by serving and following Him.
Application:
Do I show my love by doing the same? It is far to easy to say the words “I love you” but it is quite something else to put those words into action. Like a verse in the old DC talk song “Love is a verb”. It must not just be the words and just hang there – to show true love to the Father and to our brothers and sisters there must be action and movement behind those words.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my times of ‘inaction’ – help me to put hands and feet to my words In my declaration of love to you and for others – let my actions show my love. Just as I heard at the memorial service this past Saturday, Lord, “let me love the way I want to be loved”. Amen.
Sometimes the words and actions you give are not enough.