8 October | EVERYONE
"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.’" John 21: 15
On the seashore as the sun rose on the horizon and amid the noise of the waves and the singing of the seagulls, the Lord asked Peter if he loved Him, three times. As if He did not understand Peter's answer. As if words were suddenly not enough to explain what the disciple wanted to explain. The question was simple, and even though Peter gave Him a simple answer, the Master of simple things insisted again and again.
Suddenly, Peter understood that the answer the Master was expecting was not just a theoretical declaration of love. Words, even if they can describe the most beautiful feelings, are incapable of saying what only the heart can say. Perhaps a look or a smile could. I do not know.
Jesus was speaking to Peter about loyalty, which is a human value, the fruit of love. Throughout history, people have been capable of acts of heroism out of loyalty to their country, to their colleagues, friends, or family. Loyalty relates to honor and trust, virtues that are hard to earn and easy to lose. But the disciple had failed the test of loyalty. Sometimes it is easier to die for Jesus than to live for Him.
The Master's question was intended to affirm in Peter the conviction of His love, and when He perceived that the disciple was sure to love Him, He challenged him to follow Him, facing the difficulties that might arise along the way. "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" (John 21:18).
Take Action
Ask yourself if you could say to Jesus today, "You know I love you." And if your answer is in the affirmative, are you willing to follow Him to the end?