How much Do we love Jesus?

Explanation: After breakfast of bread and fish, Jesus has a very important discussion with Peter. The text does not indicate that this conversation was a private one just between Peter and Jesus. The understanding is that the other six disciples were sitting there listening to the whole exchange. The Risen Christ is dealing with Peter in a public way because Peter’s sin was public.

As I mentioned last Sunday, Peter had decided to return to fishing instead of waiting on the mountain as he had been instructed. So Peter is not only guilty of denial/betrayal, he is also guilty of disobedience. And, as their leader, his poor decisions have negatively influenced others.

It is interesting that all four Gospels include the account of Peter’s act of denying Christ the three times during the Trial. As we read in John 18:15 we see that Peter is following Jesus into the courtyard, but what is really worth noting is that the three other Gospels mention that Peter was following at a distance (Matt 26:58; Mark 14:54; Luke 22:54). This is where we get in spiritual trouble - when the passion runs low and we start to play it safe: keep your head down, stay under the radar and maybe you won’t get noticed.

That didn’t work for Peter, and it generally doesn’t work out for us either. Peter had three opportunities to stand with his Master, and he denied even knowing Him each time. (John 18:15-18; John 18:25-27)

Jesus does not deal with His followers by ignoring bad behavior and poor choices. Because He loves us, He will discipline us. He will bring the issue to our attention and He will have us to deal with our failures. He does not do this in a harsh way or in a humiliating manner. Notice Jesus does not say to Peter: “I told you this was going to happen.”

Illustrate: What shows more love? Ignoring bad behavior in a toddler, or taking the time and consistency to discipline?

Argument: We don’t love Jesus on our own. He is the One who loves us and is holding on to us. He is the One who left Heaven on a rescue mission and the motive was love for the fallen. And, this is important, He loved us so much that He doesn’t leave us in the condition in which He found us.

But let’s remember that we are in process. We aren’t all that we should be. So when we do fail Jesus like Peter did, we can remember that because of the love Jesus has for us that we are not finished. As one commentator notes, “People are often discouraged when they find in themselves so little that is good and beautiful. They cannot see that they love Christ any more this year, than they did last. They do not find in themselves the beautiful fruits of the Spirit which they wish they could find. But there is another way to look at our lives, which gives us more hope. It is John's way--not our love for Christ--but Christ's love for us! (J. R. Miller)

Application: The love of Christ is not a license to sin, but it is a safety net that gives us great security. Jesus will not disown one of His. He will discipline you, but because of His love and His promise (Heb 13:5), He will not cast you out. His love motivates Him to restore you so you can serve Him afresh and anew.

Love is the only motivation for service that enables us to finish well (John 21:15-17)

Explanation: In the discipline process Jesus asks Peter three questions. Just as Peter had earlier denied Jesus three times when asked the same basic question (do you know Him?/are you one of His disciples?), Jesus now parallels that by asking Peter the same basic question three times. The deliberateness of this would not have been lost on Peter.

Another aspect of the discipline is seen in the manner in which Jesus addresses Peter: Jesus refers to him as Simon, son of John, not Peter. Jesus was the One who named him Peter (John 1:42). It may seem like a minor thing, but this can be seen as Jesus declaring to Peter that he was acting like the man he had been before Jesus found him, instead of living like the disciple he was. [Kind of like when your mother uses your full name when you got in trouble as a kid. When moms throw in the middle name, it’s on!]

And to his credit, Peter does not try to hide his failure from the world. Peter provided the source material for Mark’s Gospel, and it was probably the first written Gospel of the four. Peter made sure that his failures were included, regardless of the humiliation.

The question Jesus asks is a probing one, and it is aimed to discover the true level of Peter’s commitment to Jesus. BTW, the discovery is all on the part of Peter and the other disciples - Jesus already knows the level of Peter’s commitment. Jesus simply asks Peter if he loves Him, and then tells Peter to tend to or serve His sheep.

It is worth noting that in His first question Jesus adds something to the question. He asks Peter, “lovest thou me more than these? There is some question as to what this refers to: it could mean the other disciples or it could mean the fishing as a way of making a living. In any case, the question is probing and Jesus is getting to the heart of the issue: Simon, just how much do you really love Me?

Illustrate: In almost every action / thriller movie there is a scene that focuses on motive. The good guy is seeking justice or to get to the guilty and the older, wiser guy asks him, “what are you prepared to do? How far are you willing to take this?”

Argument: Determining the motivation for something is crucial. Jesus is seeking to show Peter the importance of love as the basis of service. This is seen in the different Greek words that are used to translate the word love. In the English text it looks the same to us. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, and Peter replies, Jesus, you know that I love you. But two different words are used for love and these words provide a deeper understanding of the interchange between Jesus and Peter.

In His first two questions to Peter, Jesus uses the word αγαπαω and Peter’s reply uses the word φιλος. In His third question, Jesus uses the word φιλος and Peter responds with that same term for love. There is a distinction between the words. The first word describes a sacrificial, unconditional love while the second term describes a kind of brotherly love of great affection.

“Do you really love Me, Peter, at the highest level?” That is the critical question. And that is the key to commitment. It was John Calvin who said, ‘No man will steadily persevere in the discharge of his ministry unless the love of Christ shall reign in his heart.’ ” (John MacArthur)

Peter was truthful in his response even though it must have hurt. He hears the Risen Christ ask for this highest level of love, but he cannot honestly give it as his answer. Note that Jesus does not chastise Peter for his honesty, nor does Jesus withhold favor for lack on Peter’s part. Even with an answer one level down from the standard, Jesus gives Peter responsibility - feed My lambs.

Jesus asks the same question the second time using the term αγαπαω, and once again Peter is forced to respond with φιλος. In the third exchange Jesus lowers His expectation of Peter and uses the form of φιλος for His question. As English readers we skip over this in the text, but Peter would have noticed - and he did. The text indicates that “Peter was grieved.” Peter knew what Jesus had to do for him and it hurt him to have to come face to face with this reality.

It is vitally important for us to know our limitations on our own because it helps us see how very crucial it is for us to lean on Jesus. (cf John 15:5). It is also very important to see that Jesus still gives us areas of service in keeping with our abilities. Jesus repeatedly commands Peter to feed His lambs and to provide for His sheep.

Application: The Risen Christ calls each of His servants to an area of service. Peter was an under-shepherd and this theme is seen in the book that bears his name. You may be called to some other vocational pursuit, but the charge to serve the family of God with a motivation of love still applies to you as well. “For every believer, for every follower of Jesus Christ, there is the necessity of a call to love, a call to sacrifice, and a call to obey. That is the stuff of discipleship.” (MacArthur)

Love is the motivation that will keep us focused on Jesus, not one another (John 21:20-23)

Explanation: Peter is alway capable of surprising us with his actions and his speech. Right after his “come to Jesus” meeting (literally), Peter goes off on a tangent. This reminds me of the scene at Caesarea Philippi (Matt 16) when Peter aces the exam when he declares “you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” and yet a few moments later Jesus is telling Peter he is acting like satan (Matt 16:13-23)

Jesus has just finished preparing Peter for not only his days of service, but has also told Peter that he would die as a martyr of the faith and would be crucified (John 21:18-19). In telling Peter the manner of his future death, Jesus is actually strengthening Peter and giving him the confidence he will need. Jesus is letting Peter that in the future, when the fires of temptation get hot, Peter will not deny the Lord again, but will remain faithful until death. Jesus finishes with the summary command: “Follow Me.”

Peter then turns and looks to John and asks Jesus, “what shall this man do?” Peter wants to know what’s going to happen to John - is John going to die a martyr’s death, is John going to have to suffer for Jesus? Peter is playing the comparison game - and it is one that we cannot win.

Illustrate: Pastors at a conference. Question eventually arises, “how many are you running?” We inevitably compare ourselves with others instead of focusing on being faithful.

Argument: As one commentator stated it, “resentment comes from looking at others. Contentment comes from looking to Jesus.” That is to be our focus, and this is the very answer Jesus gives Peter. Basically Jesus tells Peter that it is none of his business. Jesus has His own plan and purpose for John’s life, but it is not to be a concern for Peter. Jesus restricts Peter’s questioning by repeating the command: “Follow Me.”

At the end of the day, that’s really enough for any of us. We have a hard enough time following Jesus in our own lives, so why are we so concerned about what’s going on in someone else’s life? At the Bema seat we are going to give an account for ourselves, not anyone else.

Application: How much do you love Jesus? What are you prepared to do in service for your King? If you haven’t heard Jesus asking you that question, you need to reflect on it. If you have the desire to finish well, you must have the proper motive. This kid of love, sacrifice, and obedience are not easy, but they are most definitely in need for our times. It is getting progressively harder to stand firm for Jesus, and if you don’t understand what your involved in and why, you aren’t going to last. The encouraging truth is that if you understand the αγαπαω nature of the Love that Christ has for you, then you can rest in that love.

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