How deep is your love? – 27 March 2009

The disciples were out fishing on the Sea of Galilee after Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus appeared on the shore, but they didn’t recognize him at first. We pick up the story when  “the disciple whom Jesus loved” recognises him.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!"  As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water……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!”.  John 21:7, 15-17. [NIV]

Peter must have been so overjoyed to see Jesus again, that he couldn’t wait for the boat to take him to shore: he had to get out of the boat.  What followed was not just an opportunity for an amazing encounter with the risen Jesus and restoration of friendship after Peter’s denial of Jesus, but for re-commissioning of Peter, the rock on which Jesus was to build the church.

The changing mood of the passage makes it very dramatic, from Peter’s joy in seeing Jesus through to his hurt at Jesus’ persistent questioning.  Isn’t Jesus a bit of a killjoy destroying Peter’s moment of exhilaration?  Well, he had serious business to do.

Peter was hurt because he had repented of his previous denials of Jesus.  Jesus knew that too.  I think the purpose of Jesus’ questions is to allow Peter to reveal to himself the depth of his love for the Lord.  Peter’s ministry was to come from this love.

Do we just seek moments of exhilaration, or do we allow the Lord to tackle deeper issues in our lives?

How do you respond to Jesus’ question, “Do you love me?” How deep does that love go?