“Do You Love Me?”

Seeking Jesus First - August 28, 2026

“Do You Love Me?”

Please Read John 21:15–19 (NKJV)

Reflection

After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Do you love Me?” He asked it three times. Each time Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Each time Jesus entrusted him with the flock: “Feed My lambs… Tend My sheep… Feed My sheep.” Then He told Peter that following Him would one day cost him his life. And He said again, “Follow Me.”

John does not rehearse Peter’s failure in this scene. Jesus does not bring up the denials. He addresses Peter’s heart in the present.

That matters, because Peter had already claimed the highest kind of love. In Mark 14:29 he said, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” That was covenant commitment — the kind of devoted love described by agapaō. But after the fall, Peter no longer speaks that way. In John 21 he answers with phileō — personal, friendship love. “Lord, You know that I love You.” On the third question, Jesus uses Peter’s own word.

This is not a lesser love. In John 15:15 Jesus had already called them friends. Peter is not boasting now. He is being honest. And Jesus meets him there. The Lord who named him friend restores him as a friend, then gives him the sheep.

When we read this, we are not only watching Peter. The Holy Spirit takes the same question and presses it into our own hearts: “Do you love Me?”

Application

Today, do not leave the question with Peter. Let the Spirit ask it of you.

Renew your mind with this truth: The way Jesus dealt with His disciples is the way the Holy Spirit deals with us. He does not rebuild us by rehearsing our failure. He deals with the heart, receives an honest love, and still says, “Follow Me.” Answer Him now. Then care for those He places before you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus restored Peter by addressing his heart, not by shaming his past. By Your Spirit, ask us the same question today. Where we have failed, restore us. Where we love You, deepen that friendship. Help us feed Your people and follow Jesus. In His name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.