After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17NLT
Word Study: The Greek word for feed is bosko, and the outline of Biblical usage is: (to feed) portraying the duty of a Christian teacher to promote in every way the spiritual welfare of the members of the church. [Ref: Strong’s-G1006]
REFLECTION
This passage reminds me that my love for God is revealed in my actions. It’s easy to say “I love you, Lord.” The genuineness of my love is shown in the choices I make. If I truly love God, then I will trust and obey Him. If I’m reluctant to obey His commands, then that’s a red flag, revealing that I’m loving / relying on something else more than Him. And with it, there’s an opportunity to take that red flag to Him in repentance and ask Him to restore my capacity to love and follow Him wholeheartedly…for He knows that it’s only when I’m fully yielded to Him and serving in love that I will deeply know (and be better able to share) true love.
PRAYER POEM: Illuminate
Loving Lord, may the light of Your love illuminate the dark part of my heart and help me wholeheartedly yield to You alone. For only in oneness with You can I feel deeply loved and known. And, in and through me, Your love can be clearly shown.
▫️Commentary link : https://www.logos.com/grow/what-does-agape-love-mean/
