Opening Prayer
O God, fill our hearts with Christ’s love. Amen.
Text: John 21:15–19
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
Devotion
What a Gospel this is! How rich in edification is this conversation between the Lord and Peter! What heartfelt power lies in this question of the Lord’s: “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” What chastening love in the words: “more than these?” What a glimpse into Peter’s heart his answer gives, especially when we connect it with his bold speech at Kidron! What a lesson for those who care for souls in the connection between the question: “Do you love Me?” and the command: “Feed My lambs!” What a penitential sermon are these three repeated questions and the name “Simon, son of Jonah!” But what gentleness, that the Lord expressed the words “more than these” in the second question, and that in the third He uses a different expression for “love,” the same that Peter uses! What a connection between the Apostle’s meekness and his reinstatement as the chief of the Apostles! What a meeting of the hearts, what an embrace of the hearts in the whole conversation, growing more fervent with every word! What exalted love and wisdom in the Lord, and what a meek, reverent, and trusting attitude of discipleship in Peter! How blessed then to lay his soul at Jesus’ feet and to be laid open to His heart by the Lord Himself! But how serious right away again to hear about the test of love, tribulation, pains, and self-denial unto death!
May God’s own Spirit explain it to you! I would only ask you especially to hear and answer the Lord’s question: “Do you love Me?” It is not spoken just to Peter. It is His loving question to each of us. If you would take it right to heart, then it could come to bestow upon you the most blessed thing to be found: a soul filled with God’s love. “Do you love Me?” the Lord asks you, because He loves you. Your most precious Friend on earth calls your name, dear and sweet to Him, and asks you with love’s sincerity: “Do you love Me?” Then gladly assure Him of your love, and let your heart’s flame burn brighter and blaze higher. Now with eternal love’s heavenly desire for your soul Jesus asks you if you love Him. You know it is because He loves you. You know He puts such great value on your love that He died to win it. Answer now: Do you love Him? O answer! Jesus asks you: “Do you love Me?” Blessed is everyone who grasps the question in the inmost heart and who can answer: “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” O the whole world ought to be so blessed to be able to answer: “Yes, I love You, Lord Jesus, with my whole heart!” But most would be lying if they said “Yes.” Accursed souls who do not love Him! I hope that you know Peter’s sorrowful attitude and have his gentle, true answer in your heart: “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You!” “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You!” Speak out like Peter. Answer the Lord rightly that your heart hears Him and His love shall permeate your soul more and more.
Closing Prayer
We pray You fervently, God, we pray You and cannot let You go unless You hear us: Give us a heart filled with Jesus’ love. Amen.
Hymn
Jesus, Thou Joy of loving hearts!
Thou Fount of life, Thou Light of men!
From the best bliss that earth imparts,
We turn unfilled, to Thee again.
Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;
Thou savest those that on Thee call;
To them that seek Thee, Thou art good,
To them that find Thee, all in all.
We taste Thee, O Thou living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead,
And thirst from Thee our souls to fill.
Our restless spirits yearn for Thee,
Where’er our changeful lot is cast;
Glad that Thy gracious smile we see,
Blest, that our faith can hold Thee fast.
O Jesus, ever with us stay
Make all our moments calm and bright;
Chase the dark night of sin away,
Shed o’er the world Thy holy light!
Bernard of Clairvaux: Jesu dulcis memoria L 66:20.26.29.30 ELH 318 tr. R. Palmer;
tune: Jesu Dulcis Memoria (ELH 318); alternate hymn: Jesus, Thy boundless love to me ELH 372:2