John 19 - 21

Do You Love Me?

Note: Our reading today concludes the Gospels and the fourth book of the New Testament and ninth book overall.

Today's reading includes John's record of the crucifixion and includes some poignant interchanges between Jesus, Mary, and His disciples. When Mary Magdaline reported that the tomb was empty, Peter and John ran to the grave site (20:3). John, who was much younger than Peter, outran Peter, but stopped (perhaps because of fear) short of entering the tomb. Brash Peter arrived and walked right in, then John followed. They observed what Mary did and in verse 9, the Bible states that they began to understand that Jesus had raised from the dead like He had promised.  After Peter and John left, Jesus appears unto Mary and makes Himself know by stating her name (v. 16).  No one can speak to a person like Jesus can and when He speaks, His voice is undeniable.  This had to be a great comfort to Mary Magdalene.

In chapter 21 there is an intimate verbal exchange between the risen Jesus and Peter. Having just instructed the fishermen to cast their net and catch 153 large fish, the disciples come to land and enjoy breakfast with Jesus.  After the meal the Lord asks Peter three time "Do you love me?" (21:15, 16, 17). Notice, it was after the meal.  Just a few days earlier after the Last Supper, Peter was asked by three people (see John 18:15-18, 25-27) if he was a disciple of Jesus and Peter denied Him three times. Jesus wanted Peter to reconsider his actions and look deep within himself.  The first two times Jesus asks Peter, He uses the Greek word agapao, meaning Divine love, for love.  Peter replies (in my opinion, honestly) using the Greek word phileo, meaning human love.  The third time Jesus asks Peter, Jesus uses phileo. To me, the significance of the wording is that Jesus wanted Peter to examine how he love Jesus. After each reply Jesus tells Peter to "feed my sheep."

Peter knew that without the Holy Spirit he could not love (agapao) Jesus in a Divine manner, thus he answered that he loved (phileo) Him in a human manner.  After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter then could love Jesus and all believers with agapao and could also "feed the sheep."  Peter reflects and expounds on this great truth in his Epistle in 1 Peter 5:2-4, "Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly, not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor."

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.