Often, we use the word ‘love’ so loosely. It is easier said than done if we really understand it or know what it means. It is an assurance of a covenant or a bond to the other without condition. A bond or a covenant is broken with consequences because it destabilizes the other person who might have relied on it for a purpose which but for the assurance he or she would ordinarily not choose that path of life.
The bible says in John 15: 13 no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This shows that even when our lives are at stake, we must not renege to honour our assurance of the love which we have voluntarily made to another. Conditional ‘love’ does not qualify as love before God because it is not God’s nature. 1 John 4: 7 says everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
God is not partial with his love and Paul affirmed the same position in Romans 5: 8 that God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Paul explained the meaning of love in his writing in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8. Such is the love Jesus wants from us without condition. So, Jesus asked Peter on three occasions if he loves him more than these?
Jesus’ question to Simon Peter
Jesus said to Simon Peter in John 21: 15-17, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus repeated the question three times and in all Peter’s responses were the same. However, for each of Peter’s responses, Jesus replied in three different ways, first, feed my lambs; second, tend my sheep; and third, feed my sheep. The ‘more than these’ in Jesus’ question referred to Peter’s former engagements including fishing other than God’s business.
Jesus wanted Peter’s personal response because not all we think about people are actually true. Jesus’ first mission for Peter was, feed my lambs, the children in Christ whom he loved and wanted them to be nurtured in the fear of God without hindrance. Jesus said in Matthew 19:14; Mark 10: 14; Luke 18: 16, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Jesus put Peter in charge to ensure their necessary spiritual nourishment.
Jesus’ second task to Peter was, tend my sheep, his mature followers and converts. Jesus said in John 10: 11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. First, Jesus wanted Peter to be a good shepherd and he qualified ‘good shepherd’ to be one who lays his life down for the sheep. In effect Peter and anyone who desires to be a good shepherd must be ready to die or sacrifice his life if it is to save God’s people. Jesus set the example on the cross for Peter to follow.
Jesus said further in John 10: 14-16, I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. Jesus required Peter to know his sheep and their needs; and his sheep to know him as a worthy servant of God through personal relationship.
There are two groups of sheep, those who belong to the fold and those who do not, yet Jesus was and still is a good shepherd for both groups. Jesus died for all, Romans 6: 10; 2 Corinthians 5: 14-15. Jesus was telling Peter that not all will hear his voice now yet he must not discard them but must labour to bring them to the fold because he is the shepherd for all. Tending Jesus’ sheep was a duty to care.
Jesus’ third assignment to Peter was, feed my sheep. In this instruction, Jesus was specific about the spiritual state of his followers called the sheep. Many had been with Jesus for a while yet were unstable in their faith. Thomas doubted Jesus will rise in John 20: 25. Martha and Mary doubted Lazarus could rise instantly from the dead although Jesus said in John 11: 21, 25, 32 he was the resurrection and the life.
Judas loved money more than Jesus so he betrayed Jesus in Matthew 26: 48-49; Mark 14: 44-45; Luke 22: 47-48; John 18: 3. Peter himself denied Jesus because he loved his life more than Jesus at the time of denial, Matthew 26: 34-75; Mark 14: 30-72; Luke 22: 34-61; John 13: 38; 18: 27. There are many other biblical examples and instances why we do not love Jesus more than those things. We must rather always love Jesus more than everything in the world.
The propensity for many to depart from the faith was huge so Jesus wanted Peter’s full commitment to the task. Jesus said in John 14: 23, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Peter was to keep Jesus’ word to show his love for him more than the other engagements. Do we love Jesus more than the other attractions?
Biblical prophecy
Paul said in 2 Timothy 4: 3-4, for the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. Just as Jesus asked Peter Titus 2: 1 says but as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Jesus says to us today, feed my lamb, sheep and tend them with loving care?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we have in truth neglected your sheep and sometimes obstructed their care through our devious act. Please forgive us of all our misdeeds and clothe us in your righteousness. Create in us a clean heart and renew your steadfast Spirit of love for you in us to extend to your sheep. Blessed Jesus, show us the way to eternity through humility and obedience in your holy name, Amen!!
