John 21:15-17 “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.'”
Matthew 26:75 “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Reflection
How many of you truly want to be used by God in the fullness of His authority?
The Lord appeared to Peter and asked him a question three times: Peter do you love me?
What Jesus was asking Peter was if he loved Him “agape,” that is, to the point of his own sacrifice. And Peter knew he had denied Jesus, so he answered, no, I “phileo” you.
When God asks you a question several times, it’s not so you answer louder and louder each time, but so you think about why the Father is asking that question over and over again.
Peter had failed. He had lost the target. And now Jesus is giving him the opportunity to confront his own reality. Not to shout louder “yes I love you!” but to honestly recognize where he stands. Only from that honesty can he be restored to the fullness of authority.
If God asks you the same question repeatedly, stop. It’s not time to defend your position or proclaim louder. It’s time to enter deeply and confront the truth.
Meditation for Today
Is God asking me a question repeatedly that I’m not hearing? Am I answering louder or am I thinking about why He asks it over and over?
Prayer
Father, if You are asking me a question repeatedly, open my ears to hear it.
I don’t want to answer louder, I want to understand why You ask it.
Confront my reality with honesty so I can be restored to the fullness of Your authority.
Amen.
Blessings beloved
Ana Mendez Ferrell