Today’s Podcast

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1. Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
2. What was Jesus trying to tell Peter when He ask three times if he loved Him? Did you remember His command each time as well?
3. Scripture
   1. John 21:15-19
   2. Jesus: Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these other things?

Simon Peter: Yes, Lord. You know that I love You.

Jesus: Take care of My lambs.

Jesus asked him a second time . . .

Jesus: Simon, son of John, do you love Me?

Simon Peter: Yes, Lord. You must surely know that I love You.

Jesus: Shepherd My sheep.

(for the third time) Simon, son of John, do you love Me?

Peter was hurt because He asked him the same question a third time, “Do you love Me?”

Simon Peter: Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.

Jesus: Look after My sheep.  I tell you the truth: when you were younger, you would dress yourself and go wherever you pleased; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and take you to a place you do not want to go.

Jesus said all this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After this conversation, Jesus said,

Jesus: Follow Me!

4. Devotional
   1. A lot has been said about why Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him
      1. Three different words to describe love
         1. Like something like you like ice cream or a good movie
         2. Love like brotherly love
         3. Unconditional agape, god-like love
      2. Peter denied Jesus three times so Jesus asked Peter three times for each denial
      3. Peter needed to reach deep into His core to get past the flippant answer we all give to questions most of the time
         1. How are you? Fine
         2. How was your vacation? Great
         3. What can I do for you? Just looking
         4. Do you love me? Of course I do
   2. What we often forget is the command Jesus gave Peter that goes along with his declaration
      1. Take care of my sheep
      2. Shepherd my sheep
      3. Look after my sheep
      4. Do the hard work of keeping these fledgling followers encouraged during hard times
      5. Teach them My ways when the world is trying to drive them another way
      6. Give them help when they’re caught in the storms of life
      7. Be their shepherd
   3. Jesus is telling Peter the same way James tells us in his letter
      1. Faith without works is dead
      2. Works do not save you
      3. But faith without works is not the faith Jesus wants of His followers, either
      4. Just ask Peter
5. If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.