06/07/2026
I've been thinking about this section of scripture lately. Where Jesus restored Peter at the fire after they had breakfast together. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. Note that He doesn't ask Peter whether he will stand in front of thousands and declare that he doesn't deny Jesus. Jesus asks him if he loves Him.
"Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"
Three times.
Not because Jesus had forgotten Peter's answer.
But because Peter had not forgotten his three denials beside the fire.
Jesus recreates the setting of Peter's failure, not to shame him, but to redeem the memory. Grace often returns us to the very place of our deepest wounds so that healing can happen there.
Peter no longer boasts that he will never fall away. Humility has made a way into his way of thinking. He simply offers the love he knows he genuinely has. Humble honesty.
Then Jesus responds in a surprising way:
"Feed My lambs."; "Shepherd My sheep."; "Feed My sheep."
The Greek verbs used mean to feed, nourish, provide pasture. It is more than giving information; it is providing what sustains life.
It is the work of someone who walks with the flock.
Love for Christ is demonstrated not merely through emotion or passionate worship, but through faithful care of those He loves. Which naturally leads me to ask, 'How am I caring for those in my life to reflect my love for the One?'
Every act of serving, encouragement, teaching, listening, praying, giving to, or loving another believer becomes an expression of our love for Christ Himself.
Jesus asks Peter about love before He asks anything about 'ministry'. Selah.
Where is Jesus asking you today, "Do you love Me?"
Perhaps the answer is not found in bigger promises, but in faithful care for the people He has already placed in front of you...
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You restore my soul. Thank You that my failures are not the end of my story. Teach me to love You more deeply, and let that love overflow into the way I care for those You love. May my life reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd. Amen.
