Do You Love Me?

Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.” Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep.” –John 21:15-17, NET

Notice the thrice-asked question, “Do you love me?” Much has been made of the different Greek words for “love,” but have we even begun to make much of the word itself—LOVE? For this was all that Jesus required. Without it, we are nothing more than noise (1Co 13:1). It is the command that both towers above all others (Deu 6:5; Mat 22:37) and sums up the total (Mat 22:40). It is the embodiment of the King, and thus His kingdom (1Jo 4:8).

“Do you love Me?” Jesus asks.

Is this not my aim as a parent—the relationship I desire between me and my child? The purpose of every gift is not to fill their rooms with toys to fill the void of want. The purpose of discipline is not to beat them into robotic submission. The aim of pushing them in education is not to see if they can bring home perfect scores. The aim of taking them to sports activities is not to see them outperform all their competition. The aim of every spiritual discussion is not to fill their heads with Biblical facts.

Rather, my purpose in all these things is to demonstrate my intense love for my children. My ultimate desire is for them to see my sacrifice and respond with grateful and devoted love. For if they love me, they will truly appreciate the gifts I give. If they love me, they will respond in obedience. If they love me, they will do their best in school. If they love me, they will see the joy of simply playing and running to the joy of their father. If they love me, they will seek to know the God of their father.

Likewise, the commission (and recommission) of every disciple hangs on the answer to this simple question. For every disciple, every “child of God” (Rom 8:14), will sin. Perfect scores are an impossibility (1Jo 1:10). Jesus isn’t looking for perfect obedience, but a “son” who ultimately obeys (Mat 21:28-31) the “law” of love (Mat 22:36-40). Those who love Jesus, obey Him (Joh 14:15), for they “make it their ambition to please Him” (2Co 5:9).

Take note: Lip service is meaningless (1Jo 3:18). The answer must be from the heart (Mat 15:8).

We will be like Peter at times, arrogantly boasting in our non-existed strength (Mar 14:29), presumptuous in our zeal (Joh 18:10), quick to deny and then flee from God’s presence in bitter shame (Luk 22:57-62). But in the end (Mat 10:22), may we see that He first loved us (1Jo 4:19) with such an astounding and sacrificial love (John 3:16; Rom 5:6-11; 1Jo 3:16). Then we can respond to all the kindness of God with love, “producing fruit in keeping with repentance” (Mat 3:8), ultimately racing toward the One we love (John 21:7).