Do You Love Me?

Days can be long and nights can be lonely. You try to pray, but fall asleep instead because you’re weary. You try to pause and meditate, but the crying baby destroys any chance of deep reflection or thought.

He says, Do you love me?

In your heart you believe He will provide, but the pressure of being your family’s provider weighs heavy. Where do you turn with your pain when those around you are hurting even more?

And He says, Do you love me?

Dirty dishes seem to multiply and your hard work seems for naught. You listen to your children’s nighttime prayers and you long for the smallest portion of their innocence and faith.

He says, again, Do you love me?

Peter was grieved because He said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” – John 21:17

Jesus knew that Peter loved him. Why the continual questioning? Because Peter needed to hear it.

Yes, Lord, I love you. Yes, Lord, I love you. Yes, Lord, I love you.

Three times Peter answered. Each time was probably more forceful than the time before.

Jesus then tells Peter that, in his old age, he will die a painful death. Peter, in fact, was going to be crucified. Peter had to hold fast to his love for the Lord because painful times were coming. His love for the Lord had to be settled on the front end. Christ then says, “Follow me.”