Following Christ
© Ally Barrett (www.reverendally.org) and used by permission.
Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again, Jesus said, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” John 21: 15-17
This triple exchange between Jesus and Peter stands out when you read the book of John. Scholars and readers often notice the unique, poetic way that John writes. With his use of symbols and repeated phrases, as seen in John 21, he seems to want to highlight important ideas and create excitement about what will happen next.
As Jesus was to be arrested, Peter was confronted with the question, “Do you know Jesus?”. Now, the stakes were high to identify with an enemy of the those in power. And just as Jesus foretold, Peter distanced himself from Jesus and claimed not to know him not once, but three times!
Flash forward to Jesus' resurrection; the Lord offers Peter another chance. Jesus invites Peter to express his love for him three times, and this time, Peter does. But Jesus offers even more than another chance to love Him but emphasizes a truth that leads to how Peter was remembered forever.
The wisdom from John 21:15-17 can be summed up simply: Take good care of the people in your path. Jesus commanded that the responsibility to care for His flock be entrusted to those who love Him. As we read this, we see it isn't just for Peter; it's for all of us. If you love Jesus, then you will love people.
The teaching here can be shifted through another perspective. As we keep walking on the path of faith, we may find ourselves resembling Peter and denying Jesus, with whom we have a personal history. Or, we may encounter a Peter who, after investing time and prayer, denies their connection to us or our shared beliefs. We either perpetuate or receive imperfect love.
In these delicate moments, Jesus invites us to extend forgiveness and compassion, remembering the mercy we first received through the Cross. This transference of forgiveness to those on our path, especially as they stumble or love imperfectly, is where we embody the hope of John 21.
In our pursuit of Simple Church Expressions, John 21 reminds us to invest in real relationships where we offer grace in those difficult moments. CityVine’s motto of embodying the church “wherever you go” may look like catching up with a friend interested in following Jesus but not comfortable in a traditional church environment. Or meeting someone’s direct need in your community and letting your generosity speak before your words. It can also mean taking pain and concern about struggling or failed relationships to God in prayer alone or with other disciples to cultivate the patience and faithfulness so critical to our journey.
However God leads, we encourage you to continue caring for the people in your path and also - taking care of yourself. In this way, you embody the church in your everyday life, keeping the ancient, simple church alive.
Posted June 12th
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