Do You Love Me?

¹⁵When 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."

¹⁶Again 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."

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.

John 21:15-17

Three times, Jesus asks Peter "do you love me?" All three times the question is phrased slightly different. Three times, Peter responds "yes Lord." Three times Jesus responds - each time slightly different in it's own right. Do you love me more than these? Do you love me? Do you have affection for me? With each question, the intensity of the love seems to lessen and Peter seems to become discouraged. When contrasted with Jesus' instructions back, there is no need to be discouraged. Do you have affection for me? Feed my sheep. Nourish your brothers. Care for the spiritual wellbeing of my people. Do you love me? Tend my sheep. Shepherd my people. Oversee my people. Take care of all of their needs. Do you love me more than these? Feed my lambs. Nourish the young believers. Nourish the children.

All of us who call ourselves Christians have a responsibility to take care of God's people regardless of how committed we are. As our love for Jesus grows, our commitment to serving Him and serving His people should deepen. Feed, tend, nourish. Not starve, hurt, cut off. Love. Feed. Love. Tend. Love. Feed. Do it today. Do it tomorrow. Do it every day.