June 23, 2015: John 21:15-19

John 21:15-19

¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” ¹⁹ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Reflection
"Do you love me?"  Four words that carry incredible weight.  We begin to wonder if Jesus really was just ego driven and wanted some kudos in this moment.  How many times does he ask.  Why does he need to know that he is loved!?! This might be where our thoughts go towards.  As with Jesus, this was not for him.  This was for Peter.   God often does this for us. Gives us a crown to grow in.  Jesus was giving Peter the opportunity to grow into that crown and follow him.  This is the grace God offers to us.

Reflection Questions:
Morning: How have you offered a crown for someone to grow into?
Noon: When have you been offered a crown?
Evening: How would you answer Jesus' question, "Do you love me?"