Lovest Thou Me?
Memory Verses
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Background Scripture: John 21
Lesson Scripture: John 21:15-25
Introduction
"Lovest thou Me?" requires an honest answer. Consider the great sacrifice that Jesus gave by laying down His life. Though we can never pay back for the debt we owed, what can we do to express our love for the gift He gave? It could cost us family and home; however, the cost of discipleship will be insignificant when compared to the reward in the end. 'And when the chief Shepherd shall appeal; ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Pet. 5:4).
Key Verse
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16).
Lesson Scripture
JOHN 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou gird-edst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Studying the Lesson
After our Lord's glorious resurrection, He appeared several times to His disciples. The third time, He appeared to seven of them. Even though they had all forsaken Him in His hours of deepest suffering and agony, He was extending the loving invitation to come and dine with Him. The miracle of the overflowing net of fish and then dining with Jesus on the familiar shore of Galilee was a blessed, reassuring experience.
At Jesus' trial, Peter had adamantly denied ever knowing Jesus or having been with Him. Afterwards Peter wept bitterly in repentance. The Lord now wanted him to understand he was forgiven and could be restored. Even though he had fallen in disgrace, the Lord extended His confidence. Peter being asked three times whether he loved the Lord emphasizes the importance of deep commitment and faithfulness. The Lord wants him to love Him first and to be true to Him regardless of the circumstances and of what others do. After the Lord asked Peter the third time whether he loved Him, Peter answers with feeling. He told the Lord that since He knew all things, He knew that his love was true. Peter did not hesitate to answer Christ on the question of his love.
Perhaps Peter's three emphatic answers of "I love thee" corresponded to his three answers of denial at the trial. He was committed now to "put his hand to the plough" and not look back—to go forward in the motivating power of love. Like the woman with the alabaster box of perfumed ointment, Peter loved much because he had been forgiven much. From then on Peter never wavered in his devotion to the Lord.
Before the Lord ascended to His Father He wanted to impress Peter with the importance of the work He had for him to do. The gospel era was dawning, and the Lord was calling Peter to fill an influential place in establishing the church. Ministering to the souls of men would be preeminent to his earthly toiling as a fisherman. Jesus wanted Peter, with his strong leadership abilities, to carry the great invitation of the gospel to the people. Jesus would 50011 be leaving him and the other apostles as shepherds over the most valuable treasure He had on earth.
The Lord told Peter what kind of death he would face. Years later it became a privilege for Peter to die for his precious Lord. History records that he proved his commitment by asking to be crucified upside down, since he felt unworthy to suffer exactly as his Lord had.
Practical Truths for Today
No one can be saved without fully yielding his will to God's will. Only then will he lovingly follow the Lord wherever He leads. A complete commitment to God is based on love and trust. It requires a surrender of my personal agenda and a release of any cherished desires and dreams. Because I know God loves me, I anticipate to walk with Him into all the mystery that may surround my future path.
Many people are loath to follow Christ because to deny self and give up everything the world offers looks like a dreary existence. The pressure of family ties or society's opinions that run counter to Bible teaching may bear on some who have decided to follow Jesus. The sacrifice may seem overwhelming and unnecessary. If these thoughts cloud our mind, have we really laid down our life? True love for God does not consider any sacrifice too costly.
To understand this truth we should look at what God has done. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). When we consider the depth of Christ's sacrifice and what He has saved us from, anything we need to sacrifice pales in comparison. When we remember Calvary and the many daily benefits the Lord gives to us, we readily become a living sacrifice.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). True commitment connects us to the God of love. With our focus on Him, our priority is to obey His commandments. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,.. . For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21). People in North America expect to have comfortable homes, nice vehicles, and time to enjoy life in recreation or vacations. Are we giving our abilities and time to acquiring more than we need at the expense of the kingdom of heaven? We are drawn to what we have set our love upon.
A complete commitment to God includes trust. As disciples of Christ, our duty is to follow Him regardless of what happens. In the event of difficulties, we trust that God will either solve our problems or give us peace in the midst of them. Our responsibility is to deal with today and leave the future with God.
When the Lord told Peter to follow Him, Peter was concerned about what John should do. Jesus told him, "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me" (John 21:22). To wonder what my brother is doing or whether he is doing his part is common to man. Competition and comparison began soon after the garden of Eden. Comparing my life with another causes criticism, and envy takes the focus off the priority of serving God and the brethren. Some have lost the way when they looked around and compared their circumstances with others who seemed to live a life of ease. Our calling is to serve Jesus for what He has done for us and not be negatively influenced by what others are doing. God wants us to be at rest with the work He calls us to do, realizing that all work in the kingdom is for His purpose and glory. Often the Lord's work for me is to encourage and support someone else in their work.
Following Christ profits the kingdom as it is done in charity. The love of God constrains us to forget ourselves and serve others. Today we have the opportunity to renew our commitment and to say, "Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love Thee."
Questions
- How do I know if I am fully committed?
- What are ways a dedicated follower can fulfill Jesus' command, "Feed My sheep"?
- What rewards do we experience in our daily commitment to serve the Lord?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).