I know tons of people who say they love Jesus. Of those "lovers" I know precious few who actually demonstrate that love with their lives.
Did Jesus really question Peter's love, or was he teaching him the appropriate response to loving Jesus? I believe it was the latter. Peter said, "you know that I love you!" Jesus' response might be summarized like this: Pete, if you are professing love for me, why are you still fishing for fish? I told you to follow me and fish for men.
I believe Jesus would say to all of us. "I hear your words...I want to see your obedience. Many say that they love me, I want active followers."
I wish Peter would have helped out the expositors (and theological neat-nicks like myself) by asking the natural follow up question: "More than these what? These people, these fish, or that I have more love for You than other people have love for you."
ReplyDeleteIn any scenario, however, taking care of the sheep is clearly the appropriate response.