Friday April 21, 2023
John 21:15
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
We’ve heard about the seven disciples who went fishing. We heard about the long, disappointing night. They caught nothing.
But to Peter it had been night since Good Friday morning. But now after the long dark, a resplendent day was dawning.
It is true that the three questions had been very humiliating to him. He knew very well that there was a connection between them and his threefold denial. He no doubt felt also that the thrice-repeated questions were intended to remind him of his self-assurance and his ignorance of his own failings.
But it was nevertheless a glorious moment to Peter. Now he knew not only himself but also his risen Savior. He sank humbly down at His feet and said: Lord, Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest my terrible denial of Thee, and Thou knowest my self-righteous heart. But Thou who knowest all things, Thou knowest also that I cannot live without Thee.
Today He asks you and me: “Lovest thou me?”
This is an exceedingly painful question to all true children of God. Every time they proceed to examine themselves to see if they love Christ their love disappears between their fingers and they find virtually none.
They are slothful in prayer. The Word of God seems dry. Their hearts are cold. And even worse: their hearts are full of worldliness, evil thoughts and desires. When the question is put to them, they have only this to say:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 