John Chapter 21: Verse 15 (NIV-UK)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’
Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’
John Chapter 14: Verse 15 (NIV-UK)
‘If you love me, keep my commands.’
Matthew Chapter 22: Verses 37-38 (NIV-UK)
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[This is the first and greatest commandment.“
The verses in John Chapter 21 verse 15 onwards, are headed up in my Bible and in other translations, as “the reinstatement of Peter.” There will, I’m sure have been many a sermon preached on the three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, in contrast to Peter’s three denials on the night before the crucifixion. However, today I was struck by the comments made by Nicky Gumbel about verse 15, where he put the emphasis on the last three words of this question – “more than these”. Jesus was not just asking Peter if he loved Him, but rather if Peter loved Him more than anything else. More than himself, his wife and family, his friends, his lifestyle. This reinforces what Jesus told all the disciples at the last supper. “If you love me keep my commands.”
Most Christians if asked would agree that they too love Jesus. But I wonder what our “more than these” things are? The things that are perhaps keeping us from wholeheartedly and without question doing as Jesus commands. Everyone’s “more than these” may be different. But they are the things we find hardest to let go of if Jesus tells us too. After everything Jesus went through for us He deserves, and expects that we love Him “more than these” whatever they may be.
Dear Lord,
I realise that this is in fact another way of putting the greatest commandment into practice but am struck today by the times I fall short, giving precedence to the “more than these”. Forgive me and help me to be wholeheartedly obedient in my love for You. I ask in Jesus’ Name.