In John 21:15-17 Jesus asked Peter this question three times.
The third time Peter got it right for two reasons; first, He was grieved in his heart for the things he did (denying Jesus) and things he failed to do (not knowing what Jesus wants of him). Net, Peter's love was hidden in his heart and was not seen in action. Isn't that the way most of us are?
Why did Jesus ask Peter three times? Was it because Jesus was not sure of Peters love and devotion? Was it because Peter denied Jesus three times? None. Jesus exactly knew where Peter stood in his love for Him. But the devout love in his heart (and ours too) ought to be seen in action for people around us to know.
Context here is that, it has been couple weeks since resurrection. Jesus appearing here and there including appearance to disciples. But, disciples miss hanging out with Him all the time so that they are not worried about anything as they know Jesus could handle anything anyone, anytime.
That sense of security is gone now. Hated by Jews, Romans and their own kith and kin alike, disciples are clueless as to what comes next or what to do next?!? In the midst of fear, confusion and uncertainty, they run back to old life, what they know best, fishing. Driven more by fear than anything else Peter leads them back to their familiar turf.
In this context, Jesus asks Peter, three times and the third time, Peter gets it right confessing, "Lord you know all things, you know that I love You"
We all love Jesus but we have our own fears, predicaments and uncertainties of daily life drives us back to our own safe haven to run to but Jesus knows all of our escape pods.
All tree times, Jesus does not even acknowledges Peter's love for He knows it already. But reminds Peter of what HE expects of Peter. Like, "Oh my dear Peter, I know your love for me but could I see a bit of it in action please?". Like Peter, we all love Jesus but we have hard time giving that love a shape and form for the world to see what God's love looks like.
Jesus asks the same question to you and me, today.
Oh my dear <fill your name here>, I know you love me but could I see at least a bit of it in action please?
We all have a job to do, family to feed, life to run and so did disciples including Peter. They were not divine humans with supernatural power to do what they did. They were uneducated, uncultured (Acts 4:13), ordinary and simple people like you and me. How would we reflect Him, His grace, His Mercy and His love in the places where he has planted us be it work, home, church, social gatherings?
There is a lost soul to be saved, broken heart to be mended, bruised spirit to be revived, sickness to be healed, dead to be raised, lame to walk again all for Jesus and all by the power of HIS blood that was shed on the cross and by the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead who lived inside of you and me.
We love Jesus. We believe in Him. We believe He died for our sins to redeemed us from eternal damnation. If so, would we be on the lookout to be HIS hands and feet wherever we are? Would we dare to put ourselves in uncomfortable places to share His love and dare to live a live that shines God's love brighter and brighter in this dark world!
Yes we can! When you and I step out of our boat (aka comfort zone) then we'll see the hand of God extended to do the extraordinary in and through the ordinary you and me!
May the Resurrection Power of the risen Christ empower and lead us all!
Blessings for the day and the week ahead to be a testimony for HIM!
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