DAILY READING
REFLECTION
How Do We Love Jesus?
by Pr. Dave Mann
This story of Jesus’ post-resurrection conversation with Peter is important, not only for Peter, but also for us.
Peter’s encounter with Jesus in John 21 is often named Peter’s reinstatement or restoration. You recall that Peter denied the Lord three times. On Easter Sunday, the women came with the announcement that the tomb was empty. During Peter’s run to the tomb, what was Peter thinking? Was he excited to see Jesus? Or was he embarrassed to meet him? What would Jesus say to him – to this cowardly disciple who denied him?
In this encounter between Jesus and Peter, recounted in John 21, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loved him. The repetition of the question three times was Jesus’ way of letting Peter know that the Lord’s forgiveness was valid for all three of Peter’s denials.
So, what was the takeaway of Jesus’ message? “Yes, Peter, you are forgiven." How should Peter live now? “Feed my lambs/sheep, in other words, take care of my people.”
And for us? How do we show love to Jesus? Through worship, prayer, reading his Word? Yes, to all three of these. But there is more -- by caring for Jesus’ people. Jesus’ charge to Peter to tend the flock is the same for us – take care of God’s people.
What does this care look like? Teaching others to pray and read the Scriptures. Gathering together. Listening to their hopes, dreams, and challenges, loving them, pointing them to Jesus.
Especially when members of the body of Christ have messed up, they need gentleness and tender mercy. They need to hear the reassurance that the Lord’s forgiveness is valid more than once, just like Peter needed it more than once. We can echo the Lord’s words of forgiveness and restoration in ways that our brothers and sisters can hear them. The heart, as well as the head, needs to hear the good news of forgiveness.
There is something inside us that wants to disavow the effectiveness of Christ’s work on the cross. It whispers nefarious thoughts in our ears:
“Christ’s death can pay for the sins of others, but not for mine.”
“Jesus can forgive someone else, but my sin is different.”
“Forgiveness is a nice concept for wishful thinkers, but I live in the real world where I have to earn my way to rewards.”
Sometimes we ourselves need to hear Jesus’ assurance of forgiveness multiple times before we really believe it. Sometimes we need to be the one who reassures others of the Lord’s good news.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would convince me repeatedly (even more than three times) that I am forgiven. Help me to speak words of reassurance to others in my life who need to know that they are forgiven, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you, Dave. This is a difficult passage. Your words help explain things.
I've always felt bad for Peter during this conversation. Maybe embarrassed is a better word. Today I am puzzled by verse 18..."someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
Good admonition for each of us. "Feed my sheep." I always enjoy reading your thoughts on a passage. Keep up the good work.