In chapter 21 of John, Jesus asked Peter the question, “Peter, do you love me?” Each of the three times, Jesus asked him, Peter replied, “Yes, Lord, You know that I do.”  Jesus’ reply to him each time was simple and to the point, “Then feed my sheep.”

Instead of focusing on what Jesus was trying to emphasize to him, Peter was hurt that Jesus questioned his love and devotion to him.  Jesus wants no less from us.  Our love and devotion to Him should result in our reaching out in love to the dying, hungry, struggling, and lost.

In the closing verses, 19-23, Peter got his eyes off Jesus

and turned to see the disciple Jesus loved was following them.  (This was the same disciple, who had leaned

against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is

going to betray you?”)  Scripture reads, Peter,

therefore seeing him said to Jesus,

“Lord, and what about this man?”

Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I come,

what is that to you? You follow Me!”

Ouch! How many times have each of us asked similar questions of God that could have caused the same rebuke.

In many ways, there is a little of Peter’s attitude in all

of us.  Peter let his focus at times wander on something

other that Jesus’ lessons and calling.  He looked at

others, and tried to both please and impress others. 

He wanted to feel more close and important in Jesus

eyes.

Aren’t we all guilty as Christian brothers and sisters at

times of judging others, judging if they are as close to

 the Lord as we are, whether they are fit for God’s

calling, and whether Christ expects more or less

of them. 

We need to be a source of strength for each by

providing encouragement and prayer cover instead

of being concerned with how others view us.  We also

tend to base our response to Jesus’ lessons and His

calling on our lives on what reaction it will cause from

our family, our pastor, and our friends.  When God calls

 us, or commands us to do His bidding, we had better

not take time to see anyone’s approval.

May we always be seeking God’s face; Following the

 Holy Spirits’ leading, relying on Jesus and His living

word and promises.  In due time His plans and purposes

 will become clear in our lives, and in the lives of

those around us.

When we focus our love of Christ on tending to and

feeding His sheep, we will not focus on jealousies

and shortcomings.

May Jesus never have to ask us, “What is that to you?

 You follow Me.”

He is our River of Hope,

Brother Jay