Jesus Questioning Peter's Love
C. J. Deems, D. D. John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes… Christ never unnecessarily injured the feelings of any one; yet when necessary He did not hesitate to inflict pain. Jesus did not flatter and call Peter a rock now — "Simon, son of Jonas." I. THE INFERENCES FROM CHRIST'S QUESTION. 1. That Jesus, after the Resurrection, was desirous to be loved by man. Do not make the mistake that you must win His love; see that you love Him. 2. That Jesus wants an avowal of love. How the lover, although he has the love of his loved one, rejoices in the avowals of that love. Jonathan made David sware twice that he loved him. Christ did not ask this before the Crucifixion. But now He had given His life He had a right to expect the heart's deepest love. 3. That love is the important thing. Christ did not catechise Peter as to his faith. II. THE INFERENCES FROM PETER'S ANSWER. Peter was conscious of his love. What are the proofs that we love Christ? 1. We have a deep feeling of bitterness when we have come short of love. 2. True love will not allow us to commit the same sin twice over. 3. True love brings the sinner back to Christ. III. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 1. There is no religion without the love of Christ, and no heaven. Intellect, wealth, positions, friends cannot make up for the lack of it. Paul holds a man accursed without it. 2. By loving Christ we place ourselves where He can do us the most good. (C. J. Deems, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. WEB: So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."