When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
I disowned the Lord when I did not seek His will for my broken marriage. I went to everyone else, asking for their opinions and advice, and I then did what they said instead of seeking my Lord’s perfect will. I wanted the easy way out.
Are you listening to the Holy Spirit today? Is He asking you, “How much do you love me?” I know that your Lord God wants you to love Him more than your spouse, children, grandchildren, career, money, possessions, and the restoration of your marriage.
The Lord wants to be first in your life. He wants you to grow in your faith, radiating the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. The Lord wants to heal you of your wounded, broken heart.
Do you think it was a coincidence that Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you truly love me?” Remember, Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times before He was crucified, so Jesus was questioning Peter’s commitment and devotion.
Jesus asked Peter, “Do you truly love me more than these?” Have you ever rejected or denied your Lord? You may be thinking, “I would never disown my Lord!” I believe that we have all disowned our Lord more times than we want to admit.
“Do you love me?” Or is your love conditional upon what you want the Lord to do for you? Reflect on this and ask the Lord to reveal the truth about your heart.
The interaction in John 21, between Jesus and Peter, was not just about Peter confirming his love for Jesus. It was a restoration. It was healing. It was Peter being reinstated after denying Jesus. Then, it was about the future when Jesus tells Peter to feed His sheep.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15
Will you start “feeding other sheep” around you who need to hear the Lord’s message of love, hope, salvation, deliverance, and marriage restoration? The Lord will equip you each day for what He wants you to do. Will you allow the Lord to use you today, despite what is happening in your marriage or your spouse’s life?
Allow the Holy Spirit to heal and restore your life today. You don’t have to wait for your spouse to come home to begin. Follow the Lord and serve Him now. You have not gone too far from the Lord’s hand. This interaction with Peter, who openly denied Jesus, shows you that He loves you. He wants a relationship with you.
God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you! You are loved! Now, go share God’s amazing love with others around you every day!
God bless,
So good, Charlyne. I was just praying about this yesterday. That no one will be more important in my life than God, even when our marriage is restored. Also praying this is true for my kids and grands.
That is a great prayer to keep on praying!If you don’t listen to the Fight for Your Marriage Podcast, make a note to listen to the July 2nd episode. Our guest talks about this with us. It is powerful!