130421 How Much Do You Love Jesus?

John 21:15-19, 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.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16. He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17. He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19. (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

This passage recounts one of several instances when Jesus met with his disciples between the time of his resurrection and his ascension into heaven. The exchange between Jesus and Peter is what we want to focus on today. There is a subtle difference that is not reflected in the the English language. In the Greek language there are five words for "love". They are: agape, eros, storgy, philo and mania. Two of these words are used in our passage: agape and philo. They have two distinct meanings but they both mean "love". This exchange leads us to ask, "How much do I love Jesus?".

In the English language we use the word "love" for many different feelings and different situations. Someone might say, "I love chocolate." Or, on the other hand, a man might say, "I love my wife." Both statements would be said using the same word and probably with the same amount of feeling. One would hope that, "I love my wife" has a much deeper meaning than, "I love chocolate". Let's set the scene for the exchange between Peter and Jesus. After his resurrection and before his ascension into heaven…

Jesus revealed himself at different times for different reasons. First…

At the tomb. Listen while I read John's account. John 20:11-17, But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14. Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”

We have read, and or heard, these verses several times during the Easter season. They never lose their poignancy. Mary patiently waited out the passing of the Sabbath before going to the tomb to finish the preparation of Jesus' body only to find that his body wasn't there. She saw the empty tomb. She saw the angels sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. Turning away from them she saw Jesus! His perfect resurrection body may have been so different that she did not recognize him. But for whatever reason she thought he was the gardener. When he spoke her name she knew who he was and fell at his feet. She hurried to where the disciples were gathered…

In the upper room. Let's return to John's account. John 20:19-21, On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” As the Sabbath passed into Sunday the disciples were together in fear, except for Thomas. He was so skeptical of the resurrection that he left the group and missed the first meeting of the disciples with the living Lord Jesus. However, he would have his chance. Let's read on verses, 26-29, Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29. Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The disciples' level of fear must have been reduced greatly with the passing of a week. The second Sunday of the Christian age began with the disciples gathered in the upper room. This time Thomas was with them. We are not told what his attitude was but perhaps his doubts were lessened by the reports of the previous week. So far as we know, Thomas was the first to say the significant words, "My Lord and my God" to Jesus. Not only did he believe that Jesus had been raised from the dead he believed that Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings. Just before this Jesus met with two disciples…

On the Emmaus Road. It was important that he head them off so they can come back to the upper room. Let's read Luke's account. Luke 24:13-27, That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14. and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19. And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20. And how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23. And when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25. And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26. Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27. And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

How wonderful it would have been to be with Cleopas and his friend that afternoon. To have the Lord Jesus share the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures beginning with Moses and all the Prophets. After 2000 years of combined study, we may have unearthed most of those references to the Christ but possibly not all. What we do know is sufficient to cause us to turn to him as Lord and God. The third time Jesus met with his disciples…

Jesus revealed himself by the seashore. It would've been very natural for these men, who were mostly fishermen, that they should return to the sea.

The disciples went fishing. Let's return to John for this story. John 21:1-3, After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Many people have criticized Peter for going fishing. They say that as though there was something else do! After all, so far as we know the only instructions they had had was to go to Galilee. Peter and the others had done that. They had not yet heard the words, "Go into all the world", so they were in a holding pattern waiting for the next instructions. Why not go fishing? It would be a very natural thing.

These were experienced fishermen they had made a living netting fish and knew where to look and how to gather them. So it must've been pretty frustrating for them to fish all night and catch nothing. For me to fish all night and catch nothing would not be unusual! But for them? The Big Fisherman — Simon Peter himself — to catch nothing all night! That would be really surprising. However, I'm pretty sure the Lord Jesus had a hand in their situation. The empty net was by way of…

A special way of introduction. Let's read on. John 21:4-8, Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6. He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

Just think of the scene. The day is breaking. They are probably on the Eastern shore of the Lake of Galilee. So they see the sun coming over the hills to the East. And someone standing there with the light of the rising sun all around him.

All night long they have been dragging their nets to no avail. Now they see someone on the shore. Someone who knows what's been going on. Someone who says, "Children, do you have any fish?". Do you think he didn't know their nets were empty? I believe he had spent the night moving the fish away from their nets. Or perhaps he simply had his angels taking care of that task for him. Now he knew where the fish were. And they were right beside the boat the disciples were in. So he simply said, "Cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." Some? They were about to fill their net! Of course they wouldn't know that's where he had the fish. With Jesus involved it would be very easy to have…

Success in fishing. Let's continue reading. John 21:9-14, When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11. So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

They had fished all night and got nothing! Jesus was waiting on the shore for them with a fire and fish broiling away. Oh, he also had some bread to go with his fish. Peter had hurried ashore when John announced that it was the Lord. But these guys were real fishermen and now their nets were full! Even Peter went back and helped them pull the net ashore. Not only did they bring the net in they brought out their baskets and counted the fish. 153 large fish were the result of a few minutes fishing under Jesus' direction.

So they cleaned some of their catch to add to what Jesus had caught and had a great breakfast with the Lord of lords and King of kings. But there was a lot more to this than providing breakfast for them. You see, Peter had a special purpose. He had served as a teaching tool for Jesus more than once. Now it was time to reveal…

Peter's special purpose.

More than these. Let's read all John 21:15, 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.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus now asked a question, "do you love me more than these?". These? What did Jesus mean? Simon do you love me more than fishing? Or, do you love me more than these friends of yours? Or, do you love me more than this lake and these mountains — this beautiful scenery? Or, it may simply have meant all of the above. I tend to think that Jesus was challenging Peter to break away from the love of the world. Now, we need to ask ourselves…

What kind of love? Let's read on. John 21:15-17, 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.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16. He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17. He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Three times Jesus asked what appears to be the same question but it's not! The first time Jesus asked, "Simon, son of John, do you agape me?" And Peter responded with, "Yes, Lord; you know that I philo you." Jesus responded with, "Feed my lambs."

Then Jesus immediately asked again the same question the same way and Peter responded to the same question the same way. Jesus said, "Do you love me with the highest kind of love?" And Peter responded with, "I love you like a brother." Peter could not have missed Jesus use of "agape" rather than "philo" and yet he persisted in using the word for lesser love that Jesus asked for.

The third time Jesus changed words. Instead of, "Do you agape me?" Jesus asked, "Do you philo me?" He brought the question down to the level of Peter's answer. It grieved Peter that Jesus asked the question a third time, and perhaps because Jesus changed word usage, and yet, Peter could not say, "agape"! He still asserted that he loved Jesus with a brotherly love. Perhaps he had no idea how to love Jesus with the highest kind of love.

That's Interesting, how does it apply to us?

Do you love me? This question only appears here. In relation to Jesus' life this question is only asked at this point and only to Peter!

What is love? We have God's own definition and direction related to love in …

1 Corinthians 13, let's read verses 4-8a Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5. or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6. It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8. Love never ends.

Time will not allow us to go into all that is revealed about love in this chapter. Suffice it to say that 1 Corinthians 13 does NOT say, "Love is a feeling of warmth and passion toward another person." Instead, we are told that, Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Or, in the words of Don Francisco, "Love is not a feeling it's an act of your will." Love is not how we feel. Love is what we do. You don't have to even like a person in order to love them. It helps a great deal but is not necessary. However, if you act lovingly towards a person long enough you will like them! Of that I'm sure! Now…

How much must we love? Jesus touched on the question in John 13:34-35, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

His command is to love one another. How much? As much as he loved us. At the time Jesus said this his disciples could not fully grasp how he loved them but they would in a few days learn. He went to the cross as evidence of his love. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son. Gave his only son? Not just sent him to earth but also sent him to become sin for us and to die the death that we deserve. If we are to love as much as Jesus loves us and we have to be willing not only to die for our faith but to give up, or die to, anything that hinders our spiritual growth and our ministry. We need to be able to answer Jesus' question, "Do you love me more than these?" with, "Lord, you know that I love you!" And then, we need to life it out!

In the words of William Ralph Featherstone: My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; for Thee, all the follies of sin I resign; my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou; if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first lov-ed me, and purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

Perhaps the most famous passage of Scripture goes like this, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." That son was Jesus! Born of Mary, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. That son, Jesus, gave us the command to love one another as much as he loved us. Love that goes beyond feeling into action. He loved us enough to give his life that we might have life. Won't you receive him today?

All scripture quotes from:The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.