Do You Love Me?

The contrasts were startling & humbling…  His boast of fidelity, slashing his sword at the coming threat, bloody ear on the ground, and halting gaze and strong words from his master had pierced the darkness with another way. Later, brave enough to follow Jesus into the realm of his captors, yet “wobbly” with fear 3x from a few simple questions before dawn. Simon Peter was ashamed of himself & his failure.

Jesus showing up risen, very much alive, within their locked doors was certainly cause for great joy and relief, but things would never be the same for Simon Peter and his broken spirit and shattered pride. His night still kept out the advancing dawn.

Later, Jesus took Simon Peter aside by the Sea of Galilee and asked him 3x, “Do you love me?” Peter was hurt by the repetition, but gave emphatic YES-es. To each YES, Jesus told him to feed and take care of his present & future followers.

In doing so, Jesus answered the unspoken question terrifying Peter and his heart, “Jesus, do you still love me?” His answer to Peter and each of us when we fail is and always will be an emphatic YES!  Let’s live & share this going forward!