A Lesson Through Denial For All Of Us

"DO YOU LOVE ME?"

 Jesus asked Peter the same question three times. The number wasn't random. Let me share why I think this is the most redemptive question in the entire New Testament.  Though Jesus already knew the answer, He didn't ask because He needed information. He asked  because Peter needed restoration. Let me expound.

It's found in John 21:17. Jesus said to Peter, “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. Feed My sheep.” I used to read this passage and feel sorry for Peter. But now, I think Peter was the most loved person in that moment. Think about the context. Peter had denied Jesus 3x. Not once, not twice, but three times! Around the fire, in the cold, while Jesus was being led to the cross. And now they are standing by another fire on the other side of the resurrection. And Jesus asked the question of Peter, "Do you love me?" Once, twice, three times. And I couldn't help but notice Jesus didn't bring up Peter's denial. Jesus didn't rehearse the failure. He didn't make Peter explain himself. He just asked the question. The same question .. 3x. One for every time Peter said he didn't know Him.

Jesus wasn't reopening a wound. He was closing one! And here is what really wrecked me. Every time Peter answered, Jesus gave him an assignment. "Feed My Sheep "Feed My sheep." "Feed My sheep." He didn't just restore Peter's relationship. He restored Peter's purpose.

Because some of us have been sitting in the guilt of what we did, convinced that the failure disqualifies us from the assignment. But Jesus meets Peter exactly where the denial happened. By a fire. In the early morning. He doesn't lead with judgement. He leads with a question that pulls Peter back identity. "Do you love Me?" Not did you perform perfectly? Not did you hold it together under pressure? Not did you prove yourself worthy. But, "Do you love me?" Because love was always the foundation. And Jesus knew if Peter could answer that question honestly, everything else could be rebuilt on top of it. 

So here's what I want to leave you with. Maybe God is asking you same question today. Not about your failures. Not about your record. Just this, "Do you love Me?" Because your answer to that question determines everything that comes next. Regardless of any  failure on your part, do you love Him? Go feed the sheep. Your mission doesn't end because of a moment of weakness or fear.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-