"Do You Love Me More Than These?" John 21:15

“...do you love Me more than these?" John 21:15

Jesus asked Peter this question, as they were eating fish and bread that Jesus had been cooking before the disciples. We must realize that it was a hungry fisherman that was being asked this question. An almost 3 yr graduate of Jesus’s discipleship school, gave up, and said to the gang that same day, "I am going fishing." This implies that they had not a clue to the next step in their ministry, or their life’s purpose. Is this what I resort to, the stand by? I would go and cut fire wood, just to stay busy on the days at home that I did not have a certain work plan. Even this year I have been inclined to look for trees to climb and trim just to make some quick cash. When I have a lack of vision, or I am ignorant to what lies before me as Gods plan, it is tempting to resort to what I know well. In this occasion, providence had it that no fish were caught. For me, a recreational fisher, that has a very poor record, this would be no big deal, but for these professionals, this would be a sign, “what are we doing wrong here?” The fact that they counted 153 fish shows that it was a phenomenon that they landed that many without the nets breaking. This same Jesus who commands the fish and the seas has eyes for you and I and he asks this question for our hearts today. Do we love him more than our career or our record catch? If we do, he has an occupation waiting for us. He wants his word delivered to his sheep. We can demonstrate our love for him in obeying his command to be instructing his lambs and sheep. Sharing all that he has commanded. Jesus takes this love even a step further than throwing out some teachings or lofting the feed over the fence, He says, “ take care of my sheep”. This means stepping out from behind the pulpit and rolling up our sleeves. Changing diapers, washing feet, and even carrying those who are down and not able to walk.
Is this the love that shines so bright in our generation? May our love for Jesus be genuine, and may Jesus sheep be well fed. G.W.