Peter is probably the most well known of the original 12 disciples that Jesus called to be his followers. Peter is the one who walked on water with Jesus. He is the first of the 12 to proclaim “Jesus is the Son of God.” Peter is the rock the church would be built on. Peter is also a little on the hot-tempered side, and sometimes speaks or acts before thinking. Peter is also the one who will deny Jesus before Jesus is crucified. At the time when Jesus needs him the most, Peter denies that he even knows Jesus not once but three times.
After the crucifixion is all done and the disciples experience the joy of the first Easter, Jesus appears to them on several occasions. At one of these times, Jesus addresses Peter and asks him three times, “Do you love me?”
Each time Peter responds with, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus does not leave it at that.
Each time Peter responds, Jesus responds back: “Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep.”
Jesus forgives Peter andredeems him for each of the times Peter denied him.
We are certainly no better than Peter was. There are times when we have denied Jesus also. Jesus also forgives us and redeems us. Jesus asks us the question as well, “Do you love me?” We are given the same commands as Peter. We are to feed and take care of the sheep. The sheep Jesus refers to are people. There is so much division and hostility among people. We are to take care of each other and work to bring peace and unity. We are to feed each other spiritually and positively. In this way, we show Jesus that we love him.
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Editor’s note: Brian Timmons is the pastor of Pea Ridge and Brightwater Methodist Churches. He can be contacted at 925-0167 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Church, Pages 2 on 04/17/2013