Again, Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (John 21: 16).

Peter is an ordinary man brought into an extraordinary situation with Jesus.  What connects me more deeply to Peter is how bumpy his journey with Jesus can be.  When he meets Jesus, he literally drops everything to follow him.  Ultimately, on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter denies Jesus three times.  And here we see Jesus calling back to those moments.

What’s beautiful about this passage is that while Jesus is referencing Peter’s betrayal by asking three times if Peter loves him, he’s doing it to create a space for Peter to genuinely confront his denial. Jesus knows all, and he knows Peter loves him.  But Peter needs to acknowledge his love deeply and publicly for himself.  For each affirmation of his love Jesus also asks Peter to “Feed my sheep,” showing Peter that there’s a lot of difficult work yet to be done.  

I feel Jesus asking me the same question, “Do you love me?”. When I’m in church or in fellowship with my small group, the answer is easy. Yes, I love you, Jesus. I will follow you, Jesus. I will build my life on a foundation in you, Jesus. I will be a beacon to others around me in the name of Jesus.  

And I must empower myself with that answer because I know during the rest of my week, I’m going to be challenged to feed the sheep every single day. 

When I’m experiencing a challenging situation at work where I want to yell and admonish, instead of showing empathy and understanding, do I remember the words of Jesus?  

“Do you love me? Feed my sheep.”

When I’m already stressed and busy, but I see someone in need of aid, comfort, or even just a kind word, do I remember the words of Jesus? 

“Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” 

When I find myself chasing something in this world that I find doesn’t align to a foundation in Jesus, do I remember the words of Jesus? 

“Do you love me? Feed my sheep.”

 Like Peter, I’m not always going to get this right.  But also, like Peter, Jesus is always inviting me back into his loving presence.  Through his love I am empowered to soar.  

I love you, Jesus. I will feed your sheep!

Share a little prayer with me this week. When things are tough, or you need that little extra boost to soar, pray: “Do you love me? I love you Jesus! Will you feed my sheep? I will feed your sheep!” Then go soar in the name of Jesus.