15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (fileo) you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (fileo) you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love (phileo) me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) 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!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What is the significance of Jesus asking Peter if he loves him three consecutive times?
- What are the distinctions between the two love words Jesus uses? Why does he ask Peter “agape” first and “phileo” last?
- How are we Jesus’ lambs?
- Why does Peter ask Jesus about John? Are we asking the same questions at times? What is problematic about this mindset that Peter has?
- How is God asking us to connect? To nurture? To serve?
- What feelings and thoughts come about in hearing v. 25?
- The story of Jesus is still unfolding today. What is the gospel according to you?
- What is your plan for reading Jesus’ Word tomorrow?
Prayer
Jesus, I love you, I love you, I love you. Thank you for your forgiveness and reconciliation. Thank you for continually meeting with me. Thank you for giving me the amazing opportunity to feed your sheep. Thank you for including me in your Word every day. Continue to include me in your story as You expand this amazing book to include stories of connecting, nurturing, and serving the world that you so love with your love.
Greek Words of the Day
English Word: follow | Transliterated Word: akoloutheo (ak-ol-oo-theh-o)
Properly to be in the same way with, to accompany, follower, to go with, to follow
English Word: love | Transliterated Word: Agapao
To love unconditionally (in a social or moral sense). It differs from phileo indicating feelings, warm affection, the kind of love expressed by a kiss. To love, to regard with strong affection
English Word: love | Transliterated Word: Phileo
To be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), have affection for (denoting a personal attachment), as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while agape is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety. Love like a dear friend loves another dear friend, generally, to have affection for someone.
Family Engagement Activity
Continue praying, telling, writing, praising, connecting, nurturing, and serving! Consider asking your Church how you can better join with them in connecting, nurturing, and serving over the next couple of months. Consider evaluating how you are already connecting, nurturing, and serving with your Church and those around you.
If you are from Holy Cross, there is a Connect, Nurture, Serve Form readily available for you to check out the ways you can join Holy Cross in our specific ministries.
Going Activities To Consider
Continue praying, telling, writing, praising, connecting, nurturing, and serving! Consider asking your Church how you can better join with them in connecting, nurturing, and serving over the next couple of months. Consider evaluating how you are already connecting, nurturing, and serving with your Church and those around you.
If you are from Holy Cross, there is a Connect, Nurture, Serve Form readily available for you to check out the ways you can join Holy Cross in our specific ministries.