Today's Reading: Old Testament: Leviticus 12 - 13
New Testament: John 21
Focus Verses: John 21:17-19
17The 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." 18Jesus 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." 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Insight:
During the arrest and trial of Jesus, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now the resurrected Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter affirms his love for Jesus, and Jesus says, "Take care of my sheep." Following Jesus requires a love for him above all else, participation in his ministry, and a heart to bring glory to God in life and in death.
Response and Action:
How many times do I deny or fail Jesus in the trials and tasks of daily life? For each and every time I do, I need to hear his voice asking, "Do you love me?" To love and follow Jesus, I must deny self. Jesus said, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matt. 10:39) To love and follow Jesus, I must share in his ministry -- "Feed, care for, and shepherd his sheep." To love and follow Jesus, I must share in his suffering ("when you are old you will stretch out your hands") and face things that are beyond my choice and control, and yet give glory to God. As the Apostle Paul said, "whether by life or by death, may Christ be exalted in my body." (Phil. 1:20)
This day, O God, help me to love you more than all else. Help me to serve and share in the saving work of Christ. In every circumstance, every choice, every action, every temptation, and every trial, may I hear Jesus voice asking, "Do you love me more than these?" In every case, give me the grace to say "Yes, Lord, you know I love you," so that in life and even death I give you praise. Amen.
Proverbs: 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Resources:
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
