Reflecting on John 21:15-25“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15)
In this section, Jesus is having a hard conversation with Peter.
Peter denied Jesus three times; Jesus asks Him three times if he loves him.
This first time Jesus specifically says “more than these”.
Remember Peter is always trying to outdo the other disciples, to be first.
Jesus gently convicts him that he does not love Jesus more than the others.
There’s another interesting thing to note about Jesus’s asking about love.
According to John’s account, Jesus twice asks Peter using the word ‘agape’.
This Greek word refers to a deep committed or devoted love, an act of the will.
Peter replies using the word ‘phileo’, which means a weaker emotional affection.
Jesus asks Peter if he is devoted to him, Peter replies he really likes Him!
The third time Jesus asks, He switches to the word ‘phileo’, using Peter’s word.
In other words, Peter recognizes his weak love and Jesus accepts that from him.
Peter has been humbled, and realizes that he is not more devoted than the others.
And Jesus affirms Peter’s humility, and welcomes his weaker love.
Jesus also knows my weaker love, and welcomes me just as I am.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I admit that my devotion is weak and flawed, and that I am like Peter in many ways. Thank you for humbling me through the years, and thank you for meeting me where I am, and helping me to grow little by little in my love for You.
I too am like Peter, not always standing up for my Lord. With age I mature, grow inth faith. Jesus accepts me where I am. Daily i need to come to him in my living for Jesus.
1 Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
2 Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
3 Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
4 Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.