John 21 - How Can You Show Your Love for Jesus?

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Jesus Reinstates Peter

15 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.” 16 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.” 17 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. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Yesterday we talked about how Jesus' disciples John, Mary and Thomas came to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Though Peter reached the tomb first and looked inside, John 20 does not fully explain his conclusion.  In chapter 21 we find out.  In the beginning of the chapter Jesus appears to the disciples a second time.  In the morning Peter tells the guys he is going out fishing. The others decide to go with him.  While they were fishing, Jesus appears on the beach and tells them to throw their nets overboard.  Reminiscent of the early miracle Jesus performed when he first called these disciples, when they threw the nets over, they brought in a huge catch. John give the number, 153. How they counted them no one is sure? There are many theories about the number 153, but none of them seem to have any basis in the story. Importantly Peter is the first to sprint to the beach to see if it is really Jesus.  It is his moment! 
Remember the last time Jesus and Peter were together, Peter had denied Jesus three times in order to save his "own hide".  He walked away in shame having denied the very one he promised he would never betray.  The rooster crowed twice reminding him of Jesus' prediction of his betrayal.  So you can only imagine what Peter is thinking when Jesus addresses him around the campfire.  What will he say?  Am I in for it? But Jesus has something else in mind. 
Jesus asks Peter three times, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Maybe the three times is significant in that Peter denied Jesus three times.  With each question Peter replies, "Lord you KNOW that I love you!"  By the third time he is understandably getting a little uncomfortable and a little hurt as well.  However the most significant part of the exchange is Jesus' response to Peter.  He says, "Peter if you really love me then feed my sheep!"  
Jesus knew Peter LOVED him, but he challenges him to show it by being a good shepherd to the new flock.  How? By feeding them with God's Word.  By defending them and going after them when they got lost.  By protecting them from the wolves who would come to steal and destroy.  And yes by being willing to lay down his life for the sheep. It was high challenge time! 
Interestingly the word for "shepherd" is the same word for "pastor".  A pastor is a shepherd.  Pastors feed their flock.  How?  They preach and teach the word.  They care for the flock when they are doubting and afraid. They give them encouragement, affirmation and love.  Being a shepherd doesn't always mean you are a full time, ordained minister.  God calls others alongside the lead pastor to help shepherd the flock as well. How? By leading small groups, leading of bible studies, and caring and praying for members in need.    
Who has called you to shepherd?  Do you really love Jesus?  I think Jesus would say to us as he said to Peter, "Then feed my sheep!"  And by God's grace we can!  



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