Do you ever wonder why Jesus kept asking Peter the same question over and over in John 21??
As we know now, the Greek language has several words for love.
Phileo is the brotherly, empathetic bond between friends/ relatives.
Storge is a kind of natural family affection between parent and child.
Eros is the romantic, passionate kind of love.
Agape love is the unconditional love of God.
Jesus kept repeating the question because he was ever hopeful that Peter’s answer would match His question. Jesus was asking for an all-out kind of devotion, but Peter could only muster up phileo, a brotherly type of love
The Amplified Bible says that Jesus asked “Do you love Me, Peter? Do you love me with reasoning, intentional and spiritual devotion?”
If Peter had been truthful, he would have said “I do not.” -Just like he did in John 18:17, 25.
Peter avoided the question and answered, “I love you like a close friend, Lord.” Peter does not love Jesus the way He wants to be loved.
Jesus repeated the question with the same results. Finally, Jesus meets Peter right where he is. He changes His question to Peter’s answer!
“Peter, do you love me like a close personal friend?”
Jesus met Peter and he will meet us, exactly where we are.
I am pleased to report that eventually, Peter did love Jesus with that intense spiritual devotion. Until then, Jesus was willing to wait.
John 21:15-Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more that these [others do-with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love you [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs. (John 21:15, AMP)
Just what is your answer when Jesus Christ the son of God, asks.
Prayer- Lord, Give us a heart that yearns and is fulfilled with all you have to over. For Christ’s sake. Amen.
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