Do You Love Me?
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 21:15-25 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 15:25
Meditatio (Meditation)
In the bustling landscape of Jesus' disciples, Peter stands out—a man of fervor, of zealous declarations, and, yes, of undeniable failures. His journey with Jesus was a rollercoaster of faith, one that soared with triumph and plummeted with despair. Consider the scene at the fire where Peter, in the shadow of Jesus' trial, disowns his Lord not once, but three times. This wasn't the Peter we knew, the one who boldly proclaimed undying loyalty. No, in that moment, fear eclipsed faith, and denial overshadowed devotion.
How familiar it is, this battle between our aspirations and our actions, between our professed love for Christ and our moments of weakness. Yet, even as Peter's heart sank under the weight of his denials, Jesus was already fashioning a pathway to redemption. In the tender exchange on the shores of Galilee, Jesus, the master of grace, probes Peter's heart with a simple question: "Do you love me?" Three times He asks, mirroring Peter's threefold denial. But with each inquiry, Jesus offers not condemnation but restoration.
In those words, "Do you love me?" lies the essence of Christ's ministry—a relentless pursuit of our hearts, a call to return to Him despite our failures. For just as Peter found forgiveness and restoration in those intimate exchanges, so too are we invited to experience the fullness of Christ's grace. Indeed, Jesus' sacrifice transcends the tally of our sins. His one act of love on the cross abolishes the need for continual offerings, erasing the ledger of guilt and shame. In Him, we find a love that knows no bounds, a forgiveness that knows no limits. As the author of Hebrews proclaims, Jesus' sacrifice puts away sin once and for all, offering us a clean slate, a fresh start.
Take a moment to consider what you just read. Reflect on Peter's journey from denial to restoration. Consider the weight of his past failures and the profound grace extended to him by Jesus. How does Peter's experience resonate with your own journey of faith?
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
As we stand on the shores of our own Galilees, confronted by the echoes of our past failures and the weight of our present struggles, Jesus stands before us with compassion and love. He extends His hand and asks the same question He posed to Peter: "Do you love me?" It's not a question of condemnation, but an invitation to lay bare our hearts before the One who knows us intimately. In the face of doubts and insecurities, let us echo Peter's affirmation: "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Let us bring our failings before the throne of grace, confident that His love covers a multitude of sins.
In that declaration lies the seed of transformation, the beginning of a journey toward healing. In that moment of surrender, we experience the sweet embrace of our Savior—a love that knows no bounds, a grace that knows no limits. His arms offer redemption, His mercy brings restoration, and His love ensures reconciliation. So let us cast aside doubts, laying them at Jesus' feet. In return, may we receive His grace abundantly, His mercy overflowing, and His love unending. For He is the One who redeems, restores, and reconciles us to Himself.
Take a moment to rest in the assurance of God's grace and forgiveness. Allow yourself to experience the peace that comes from knowing you are deeply loved and accepted by Him. Take a few moments to simply be still in God's presence, soaking in His love and allowing it to permeate every area of your life.
Actio (Action)
It wasn't just forgiveness that Jesus offered that day—it was a calling, a commissioning. "Feed my lambs. Take care of my sheep. Feed my sheep," Jesus charged Peter, entrusting him with the sacred task of nurturing and guiding His flock. In those words, there's a profound message for each of us. It's a reminder that our past failures don't disqualify us from God's purpose. Instead, they become the backdrop against which His grace shines most brilliantly. Just as Jesus restored Peter, He is ready to restore us, to commission us into His service, despite our shortcomings and mistakes. Like Peter, we're called to feed His sheep—not just with words, but with actions that reflect His love and compassion. It's a calling that transcends our failings, empowering us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God and ambassadors of His kingdom.
Take a moment to respond to Jesus' invitation to feed His sheep. What does it mean for you to embrace this calling? Consider ways you can care for those around you, both spiritually and emotionally.
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart humbled by the grace and forgiveness I have found in Jesus Christ. Thank you for the example of Peter's restoration, reminding me of your boundless love and mercy. Grant me the strength and wisdom to embrace my calling to feed your sheep, serving others with humility and compassion. May your Spirit guide me as I seek to reflect your love in our words and actions each day. Amen.