Daily Word Of God
John 21:1b, 15-19
It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this: When the disciples had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’
A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep.’
Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me’’ Peter was hurt that he asked him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. In all truth I tell you, when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go.’ In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, ‘Follow me.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Imagine Jesus standing in front of you and asking you three times, as He did to Peter, “Do you love me?” What would your response be?
- When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” He was perhaps challenging Peter to leave his possessions and profession and become a fisher of men, and a shepherd of His people.
- Is there anything in your life that is keeping you from accepting God’s challenge to love and serve Him more fully? Totally? Surrender yourself to the Spirit of the Risen Christ and allow yourself to be what God wants you to become in your present and future life.