More Than These

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” (John 21:15, NIV 1984).

My Musings – On the night that Jesus was betrayed, Peter had boldly claimed, “even if all fall away on account of you, I never will. Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:33, 35, NIV 1984). But before the rooster crowed the next morning, Peter denied he knew Him three times. Just as Jesus predicted he would. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” (Matthew 26:34, NIV 1984).

Here, after His resurrection, Jesus asks Peter three times about Peter’s love for Him. First Jesus asks, “do you truly love me more than these?” (John 21:15, NIV 1984). Peter responds that he does love Jesus but omits the “truly” and “more than these.” Next Jeus asks, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?“ (John 21:16, NIV 1984). This time Jesus drops the “more than these” and once again Peter responds by omitting the “truly.” The third and final time Jesus asks, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:17a, NIV 1984). Peter responds as he did previously, “you know that I love you.” (John 21:17b, NIV 1984).

Perhaps not quite the response that Jesus was looking for. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5, NIV 1984). At least not yet.

My Advice – Jesus had probed the depth of Peter’s love. Apparently not quite ready “to die with you” yet. But before too long the religious leaders would see “the courage of Peter and John and [realize] that [these were] unschooled, ordinary men, [be] astonished and [take] note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, NIV 1984).

There may be times that we are tempted to deny Him with words or by our actions. Times that we may be tempted to keep our relationship with Him secret out of the same fear that Peter had after Jesus’ arrest. May we have the courage proclaim HIs name. May people who look at us easily be able to take note that we are with Jesus. May we “truly” love Him “more that [whatever].““[We] must deny [ourselves] and take up [our] cross and follow [him],” (Mark 8:34, NIV 1984), through the strength of the Holy Spirit that lives in us.