February 29, 2008
lovest thou me ?
Words such as those could be said by sweethearts in this month of hearts. But these words were not spoken by lovers, but were asked by our Lord Jesus Christ as as stated in John chapter 21 verses 15 to 17.
Most Christians know about this story. Regrettably only a few really understand the meaning of what Christ said because of their failure to look closely at the words that Jesus Christ used.
The story starts with Jesus and Peter having dinner. During the mealtime, Peter was asked by Jesus if he loved him. Peter replied “Yes.” He was then told “feed my lambs.”
Afterwards Jesus again asked Peter the same question to which he replied in the affirmative and then Jesus told him again to “Feed my sheep.”
Jesus again asked Peter the same question the third time. But instead of replying in the affirmative, the verse says that “Peter was grieved” He then told the Lord “thou knowest.” Jesus then replies “Feed my sheep.”
A lot of people believe that Peter was grieved because he was asked three times by Jesus if he really loved him. But I don’t think this is the reason why.
In order to fully understand the passagewe have to take close look at the word “Love” as used here.
At the first instance, when Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, the word used by him is the koine greek word “agapao.” In other words the intensity or weight of the love that Jesus was talking about is a pure or ideal kind of love, such love that would be willing to die for another person. In other words Jesus was asking Peter if he loved him so much to the extent that Peter would die for him.
The answer of Peter was “Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” Here Simon Peter used the greek word “Phileo” referring to a love with a lesser degree than agapao. Phileo is oftend used for “brotherly love.” Jesus Christ asked Peter if he loved him to the extent that he is willing to die for him, but sadly Peter only gave him his brotherly affection.
The second time around, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him using the same word “Agapao” to which Peter answered with the same word “Phileo.”
The third time around, when Jesus asked Peter if he loved him he did not use the word “Agapao.” The word “Phileo” was used by Jesus. In other words the brotherly love that Peter has for Jesus was even questioned by him. In short Jesus asked Peter if he even truly loved him as a brother.
So now we now why Peter was grieved. It is quite obvious that Peter was not grieved because he was asked three times by our Lord if he loved him. The cause of his grief is because even the “brotherly” love that he offered was questioned by the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter then humbly replied that Jesus knows everything so there is no need to ask.
Everytime Jesus ask Peter for his commitment of love, Jesus tells him to do something. Feed my lambs once and feed my sheep twice. In effect, He was telling him that love must be demonstrated by action, not just words.
The message for us is, do you we truly love Christ, that we are willing to give up our lives for him? We live in a free country and we are free to worship God. But what if we are tortured for our faith? Are we willing to die for the name of Jesus Christ?
However we do not have to be tortured for our faith to prove that we truly love him. All Jesus requires of us to demonstrate our love for him is that we be good examples to other Christians. He ask us to disciple them and help them grow in the faith.
Filed under Society by Zigfred Diaz

