Friends in Christ Weekly Message
April 17, 2010

     When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend].” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

     Again He said to him the second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend].” He said to him, “Shepherd (tend) My sheep.”

     He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
John 21:15-17 (Amplified Bible*)

The Amplified Bible is helpful here because it adds the definition of the different Greek words translated into English as love. This interesting dialogue is how Jesus gives Peter his call in life. While the way Peter responds the first two times by answering a question a bit different than the one asked, one might wonder how obedient he would be to Jesus' request. However, we know from the New Testament record that he in fact accepted the call.

The way a call from Christ on our life may come varies, but we know that accepting the call is always showing our love for God. In whatever way the call may come, and however qualified our original response may be, what really counts is whether we are faithful in responding to that call. Pray for a love for God so deep that you will accept any call on your life from Christ.

Bill Samuel

* Amplified Bible ©1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

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