15So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” (John 21:15-17)
This was one of the very last times Jesus was with His disciples before He ascended to the Father. The whole plan of God was just hours away from being committed into the hands of these men. Everything Jesus had accomplished and was yet to accomplish would soon be committed into their trust. What a profound moment!
What would the Lord deem the most important thing to say to these disciples? What last-minute instructions would He give? Surprisingly, the Lord questioned Peter about his love. Three times Peter denied that he had known Him. Now, three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.
The most important issue for all of us is our love for the Lord. Everything else revolves around this issue. It’s easy to get so busy serving the Lord that we don’t have any time to fellowship with Him. Ultimately, this leads to emptiness, frustration, and ineffectiveness.
Prior to his denial, Peter loved Jesus enough to be willing to fight to the death for Him (Luke 22:33; John 18:10). But it’s easier to fight than it is to suffer. Peter didn’t love the Lord more than himself. That’s why He asked Peter if he loved Him more than these. Peter had denied Him because he valued the opinion of people more than he loved Jesus.
Do you love Jesus more than anything or anyone? Like Peter, Jesus is asking you that question today so that you can be sure you love Him more than anyone or anything else in your life. His love for you and your love for Him is what will see you through any situation.
