lovest thou me ? | Religion and Spirituality

By ZigfredDiaz
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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.

The story is quite a familiar one among Christians, but I believe we cannot fully grasp the full meaning of the chapter if we do not closely investigate the meanings of the words that Jesus used.

The story goes like this, as Jesus and Peter were having dinner, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him to which Peter replied "Yes" and then Jesus told him to "feed my lambs."

Later on Jesus ask Peter again the same question to which Peter gave the same reply. Jesus told him to "Feed my sheep."

Jesus asked Peter again the third time the same question. However the verse says that "Peter was grieved" and instead of replying in the affirmative, he simply told him "Lord thou knowest." To which Jesus replied, "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.

The key to understand the passage is to take a close look at the word "Love" as used by Jesus.

The first time Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, the word used by Jesus is the koine greek word "agapao." This is the word that is used to describe a love that is pure or ideal. This kind of love is that would be willing to die for another person. In effect Jesus was asking Peter if he loved him so much to the extent that would he be willing to die for him.

At this instance Peter answered him "Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." The greek word here used by Simon Peter is the word "Phileo" refering to a love with a lesser degree than agapao. This is the word used for "brotherly love." Jesus asked Peter if he loved him to the extent that he is willing to die for him, but Peter offered only his "brotherly love."

Jesus Christ asked Peter again the second time, using the word "Agapao." Peter still answered him using "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.

Now we can see the real reason why Peter was grieved. It was not because he was asked three times by Jesus if he loved him. Peter was grieved because even his brotherly affection for our Lord was questioned by no less than Jesus himself. Having no answer, Peter just humbly told the Lord that He knows everything already.

In all of the three instances after asking Peter his commitment of love, Christ always ends the conversation with Feed my lambs once and feed my sheep twice. He was telling Peter that it is not enough that you say you love. You must demonstrate your love by action. That is to feed His lambs and the sheep. The lambs and sheep here being referred to are the followers of Christ.

The application for us is this, how much do we truly love Jesus Christ ?. Do we love him so much that we are willing to die for him? We may not be able to answer this question correctly considering that we live in a free country and we are free to worship God. But what if we are tortured for our faith in Christ? Are we willing to die for the name of Christ ?

Thanks be to God that we do not have to be tortured for our faith to prove our love for him. All He ask of us is that we be good examples to other Christians, to disciple them and help them grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

About the Author

Zigfred Diaz may not always blog about love meanings everyday but he regularly write about several interesting topics including how to invest in the Philippine stock market, financial management, investments, as well as other informative topics Don't miss a nice article. Don't waste time, Visit his blog today !!! !!!

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