Thursday, May 3, 2018
John 21:17 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."
THE MAKING OF A HUMBLE SERVANT
Peter was a faithful servant who loved his Lord but he was also overconfident and impulsive at times! Peter, like each of us, needed to learn humility. But humility is one of those blessings that our sinful nature doesn't like. Humility means understanding that the happiness, pains, and needs of others are as important as our own. It enables us to see our faults and the strengths of others--to recognize how much our Lord has given us and understand that we don’t deserve it.
Peter learned humility when the risen Jesus came to him on the shore of Galilee and asked him three times, "Do you love Me?" When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him a second time, imagine what Peter must have thought. Why does my Lord ask me a second time? Does He doubt me? This was a humbling experience for Peter. He replied, "Yes, LORD, You know that I love You." Peter's overconfidence was fading.
But when Jesus asked him a third time, "Do you love Me?" Peter was hurt. He experienced deep emotional pain, severe sorrow. Peter knew he had given the Lord reason to doubt his love, especially when he denied Jesus three times. But Peter also knew that Jesus is almighty God, our Redeemer and Savior, merciful and forgiving. So Peter said, "LORD, you know all things." As if to say, "Search my heart and mind, Lord. Nothing is hidden from Your sight! You know my innermost thoughts and desires -- You know me perfectly."
A change had taken place in Peter since the night of his betrayal. Jesus knew Peter’s heart-- knew that his love was sincere, and understanding his weakness, Jesus accepted that love.
Our Lord understands that our love for Him is often weak and in severe need of strengthening, but He also knows it's sincere. Peter understood he was forgiven and fully restored to his ministry. Jesus told Peter, "Feed my sheep." Each of us has also been called to feed the Lord's sheep! That's a humbling honor and responsibility. To do so faithfully requires a humble and loving heart because to feed Jesus' sheep is to share and proclaim the Gospel in its truth and purity.
