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John 21:15-22

Published by Pastor Jeff August 21st, 2008 in Devotional, RED.

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When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” — John 21:15-22

Jesus isn’t interested in Peter’s feelings here. In fact, he actually says some things here that scare Peter and wound his pride some, but that’s not what we will be looking at today.

Jesus says something to Peter that I have often wondered about. He asks Peter if he loves Jesus “more than these.” What does that mean? More than what? More than the fish they are eating? More than Peter’s love for other people? Or is Jesus asking Peter if Peter’s love for Jesus surpasses other people’s love for Jesus? What’s the real question here?

Whatever the nature of the question really is, the intent is clear that the question isolates Peter. Jesus uses a little phrase to get Peter mentally alone with him. “More than these” is a phrase that would cause me to start speaking in hushed tones. I don’t want people to hear me talking about them. But in the privacy of the hushed voices, Jesus says words to Peter that shake him up.

Peter is to be responsible for feeding the multitudes of followers who will come soon.
Peter is going to be terribly persecuted and killed in a way that brings great glory to God.

Then Jesus puts the exclamation point on the statement by saying “Follow Me!” — This is what I’m telling you, Peter, and you must follow my instructions.

But good old Peter, never one to understand the first time around, allows his gaze to shift away from Jesus (I recall his gaze shifting away from Jesus once before on a stormy sea…) and toward a meandering John. “What about him, Lord? How’s he going to die?”

Jesus won’t hear of it. “Whatever I want to do in John’s life does not concern you. You follow me!”

How often do I want to follow Jesus the way others get to follow Jesus? How often do I wish others had to follow Jesus the way I have to follow Jesus?!

But the concern for other people is irrelevant. What’s that to me?

Jesus, pulls me aside, and speaking in hushed tones, says, “I have something for you to do. Follow me.”

BIG IDEA FOR THE DAY: Following Jesus means following him on the trail he’s blazing for you alone. Follow him his way regardless of how others seem to be following him.

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