John 21:15-17 15 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.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 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.
It’s funny when I read this scripture and I think to myself “Looks like I’m not the only one who needs repetition in order to understand a message!” and I feel some relief! I can be so hard-headed that people will tell me something and I will acknowledge it, shake my head, say “yes” or “ok” and then 2 minutes later I have forgotten what we were talking about. But sometimes people will tell me stories a couple of times, and I’ll finally get it after the second or third time. I feel my anxieties over these situations dissipate when I read this and I’m so grateful that I can clearly see that I’m not the only one who needs to be reminded a few times before I get it.
“Take care of my sheep”
I love that this is the reminder! LOVE! It’s the ultimate lesson we need to learn and it’s spelled out here three times so we don’t miss it! I always thought that loving people was an easy thing to do, but it’s something that I do struggle with from time-to-time. But that doesn’t stop me from trying to love everyone. I’m still working this out – the part where I actually SHOW others that I care about them rather than just assume they know I do, or where I keep people at arm’s length because I’m not sure I want to love them. But then I am reminded just how much I am loved and that, not only is it the biggest message from Jesus, but it’s a privilege to get to love them too! And to be loved in return….
Hi Papa, thank you for reminding us that this world is Yours and that Love prevails here. Show us how to love everyone, Lord, so we can honor You and what you have given us at a very high cost. We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Toni