Monday, May 1, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
John 21:15–25

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” So the rumor spread in the community that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. (NRSV)

Reflection

As I researched this passage, I learned that there is a debate on the meaning of the word “love” that Jesus and Peter are using. In Greek, Jesus uses the word Agape, which is translated as divine or unconditional love, while Peter uses Phileo, meaning brotherly love. Some scholars point to this difference as a sign of Peter’s humility after having denied Jesus three times; others say it is simply a creative writing choice.

I tend to agree that words are important, and I wonder why Jesus’ response changes ever so slightly each time. But I think it is important to note that Jesus responds with a call to action. Jesus doesn’t tell Peter to go forth and sing the praises of Jesus; he tells him to tend his sheep.

And Peter is right: Jesus knows the extent of Peter’s love, and he goes on to prophesy Peter’s crucifixion. Jesus is not quibbling over the type of love Peter claims towards Jesus. Instead he is imploring Peter to show his love through action.

It makes me think, how do I show my love for Jesus?

Prayer

Loving God, let my love for you be shown in everything I do, not simply in the words I say. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Ministry Program Manager

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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