Live to Love Scripture Encouragement Norm Wakefield

John 21:18-19. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!"
Peter was to follow Jesus to a martyr’s death. Like Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, Peter, His under-shepherd would give up his life for Jesus’ name sake. Both deaths were motivated by the love of God— the sustained direction of the will toward the highest good of another no matter what the cost.
Why did John write about this conversation between Jesus and Peter? I’m not sure all the reasons, but one is stated. That we might read this and believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. This reveals that Jesus’ followers should not expect a happy life in this world, but can trust Jesus with whatever is to come. This foretelling of how Peter was to die did not hinder, prevent, or discourage Peter from surrendering all to Jesus. Should God so will that suffering and death lie in our paths, may we be faithful to love with Him until the end.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 21:18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go."
What a true statement Jesus made to Peter. Anyone who has grown old knows the truth of what was said. When we are young we feel in control of our lives. We can take care of ourselves and can go where we want when we want. When we are old, we lose our independence and self-sufficiency. We need others who will care for us and lead us. Where they lead us won’t always be where we want. So what was Jesus’ point and mine? Surrender to God’s will and trust in God. Our lives are in His hands regardless of our age, but as we get older we need to be more aware of it.
May God give us grace today, to surrender ourselves to him, as we live to love with Jesus.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me (here Jesus used phileo)?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.
Jesus wanted Simon to know that the basis for their relationship and his ministry was not his good deeds or performance. Asking the third time certainly reminded Simon of his 3 denials because he was grieved. But notice the root of Peter’s peace. “You know all things about me.“ What was implied by his reply is that Peter’s love wasn’t as high as it ought to be, but he was assured that Jesus still loved him unconditionally.
Let’s take note of what is settled in Simon Peter’s heart. He loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. Those two things settled, a man is ready for responsibility in God’s kingdom.
Are those two things settled in your heart? The love of God can only flow through someone who has been loved by God though Christ and who longs to love Him in return. If Simon loved Jesus, he would love His sheep. Living to love with Jesus is loving—feeding and tending—those who belong to Him.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."
Again, Jesus starts with the highest form of love in His questioning of Peter. Do you love Me with agape love? Again Simon Peter answers, “Yes, You know I love you with a brotherly love—a phileo love. It seems he was saying to Jesus that he loved him just like all the other brothers did.
Again, Jesus rewarded Peter with the privilege of shepherding Jesus’ flock out of love for Simon Peter and His disciples.
Jesus cares for His sheep. If you are one of His sheep, you can know that He knows you and cares for you enough to appoint someone to be a shepherd to you. You can also know your shepherd has feet of clay like you. It’s the love of God revealed in Christ that keeps the flock. That’s why He called us to live to love with His Son.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 21:15.3. So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
Jesus started at the highest level to see how highly or lowly Simon thought of himself at this point in their relationship. But Simon apparently didn’t think he loved Jesus to that degree, so lowered the bar to a more natural degree—a brotherly love common to all. Let’s note that he didn’t rate himself above the rest. Perhaps he was trying to avoid the shame. He would have been embarrassed to answer in the negative, “No, Lord, I don’t love you more than the rest.” He chose to express the state of his love according to what he thought was the truth as Jesus knew it. He saw himself equal to, but not superior to his brothers.
I wonder if Jesus’ answer was a reward for His humility. “Tend My lambs.” Or in other words, “Yes, you answered correctly, so I’m putting you in charge of caring for my little ones even though you see yourself on the same footing as they.“
This is an important lesson to learn as we live to love with Jesus. We are not greater than anyone. We know our weaknesses and failures and should be grateful to be numbered among His brethren.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

John 21:15.2. So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs."
Today I direct our attention to the words used for love. Jesus asked Simon if he loved Him with agape love. Agape love is an unconditional, all out love that demonstrates value, esteem, and faithfulness. An appropriate question given Simon’s denials. Simon answered that he loved Him with phileo love, a warm, brotherly love.
Jesus was seemingly aiming to help Simon Peter settle the issue of his love for Him. We also need to have that settled in our hearts if we are to partner with Jesus in building His kingdom. What kind of love do we have for Him? Is it settled?
My spiritual mentor has often reminded me that two things are foundational to walking with Jesus. It must be settled in our hearts that God loves us and that we love Him.

Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com