February 3, 2021 -- John 21:15 -- Jesus' difficult question to you

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, “Fed my lambs.”

John 21:15 English Standard Version

With the arid smell of the charcoal fire still in his nostrils, his belly filled with the breakfast Jesus had provided, Peter was asked: “Do you love me more than these?” The question needs to be asked—more than these what? It seems a bit ambiguous. Does it refer to the fishing nets and the joy of working? It might. R.C. Sproul suggested it was a much sharper question: “Do you love Me more than these other men here love Me?”

According to Luke 7:42-43, those who have had greater debts forgiven, love with greater depths. Jesus has shown Simon Peter great compassion—not ostracizing him, not heaping scorn on his head—Jesus provided a great catch of fish. Jesus provided His Own company. Jesus provided breakfast. All this to Simon Peter, the man who denied Jesus three times. The man who disassociated himself from Jesus. Jesus did not distance Himself nor deny him.

Do you feel as if your sins are too great to be forgiven? Do you feel as if God the Father is more likely to scold you than to rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)? Let this passage sink into your mind and soul. In love Jesus approached Simon Peter and began the process of restoring him. So too Jesus has approached You by His Word and Spirit. You can love Him “more than these”—whoever or whatever used to be dear, such people and things have faded into obscurity in view of Jesus—Who has purchased your soul with His blood. Rejoice. He has set your soul free!

Today’s prayer of praise is drawn from Zephaniah, already referred to in the devotional. The prayer includes these terms Daughter of Zion and Daughter of Jerusalem which are references to the much loved people of God. Jesus is the Holy Bridegroom—He will return to claim His Bride (the daughters of Jerusalem and Zion) and bring her to the new heavens and new earth, clothed in holiness and joy. As forgiven people, washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are part of this joy-filled, rejoicing and exulting redeemed people!

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
17 The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:14-17 ESV from Biblegateway

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