Day 237 - Lessons on Love and Leadership: Reflections from Jesus' Three Questions to Simon Peter

Reflections from Jesus' Three Questions to Simon Peter, a Christian's destiny is clear.

Now this was the third time that Jesus let himself be seen by the disciples after he had come back from the dead.

Then when they had taken food, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, is your love for me greater than the love of these others? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you are certain of my love for you. He said to him, Then give my lambs food.

Again, a second time, he said to him, Simon, son of John, have you any love for me? Yes, Lord, he said, you are certain of my love for you. Then take care of my sheep, said Jesus.

He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, am I dear to you? Now Peter was troubled in his heart because he put the question a third time, Am I dear to you?

And he said to him, Lord, you have knowledge of all things; you see that you are dear to me. Jesus said to him,

Then give my sheep food. (John 21.14-17 Bible in Basic English (BBE))

Three times, Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved him. Three times, Simon Peter says yes. Jesus' response to each was a statement on how Simon Peter should take care of the people, bring them to Christ through the word, and take care of Jesus' people. One final time, Jesus asked Simon Peter to feed his people. To teach them how to follow Christ so they could join him in heaven when their earthly days ended.

The disciple's work had just begun, and so had the work of all believers. Jesus is asking you, do you love me? Can you accept your responsibility to feed my people? What does this mean to you?

Prayer:

Jesus, I love you and ask that you help me understand how I can feed your people and continue to grow your kingdom. Let me learn from my reflections from Jesus' Three Questions to Simon Peter. I see each of us has a path, although all cross at some point with one another. Illuminate my path so I can demonstrate my love for you and your children as you wish. Jesus, in your Holy name, I pray. Amen