Do We Love Jesus?

Ultimately, it does not matter what Christian activities we engage in, what religious things we do, or what kind of spiritual activities we are involved in. The most important thing is: What is our personal relationship to Christ? That really IS our Christian life.

Do I Love Jesus Christ More Than Anything?

John 21:15 When they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you Me more than these? He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

Jesus is asking Peter about the simple substance that is foundational to the relationship. Peter tried to claim that he did love Him, and Jesus questioned his claim legitimately, because of his conduct.
This is the bottom line characteristic of a relationship with Christ: Do you love Him more than anything else? Anyone else?

More than father? More than mother?
More than family? More than education?
More than fame and fortune?

1 Peter 2:7 says, “To those who believe, Christ is precious.”

It’s the kind of affection that has to be demonstrated, and it will show up in your obedience. That’s where our relationship to Christ really begins.

Jesus asked Peter:

Do you love Me more than you love these disciples?’
‘Do you love Me more than you love this fishing gear?
Do you love Me more than these other disciples do?’

How Much Do We Love Jesus? Are We Willing to Sacrifice For Him?

John 21:18 “Verily, verily I say unto you, when you were young you did what you wanted to, but the day is coming when things will be done to you that you will not like nor can you control.”

John 21:19 This spoke He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said unto him, “Follow Me.”

Jesus is telling Peter and us:

By following Me you’re going to end up in a situation where somebody is going to bind you and take you where you do not want to go and it is going to result in your death. You’re going to pay the supreme price.

Jesus asks:

Now are you still willing to follow Me?

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake, but he that endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you, and you shall be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

Will We Do What He Says and Not Worry About What Other Believers
Are Doing Or Not Doing?

Jesus had just informed Peter that he would die if he chose to follow Him, and Peter looks around and John is following, and Peter asked Jesus, What about him?

John 21:21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, and what shall this man do?”

John 21:22 Jesus said unto him, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow Me.”

Jesus tells Peter: Just focus on you and Me, and on what I am telling you to do.

A key component in following Christ, or in a right relationship to Christ is following Christ no matter what and not evaluating and discerning your own worthiness or your own faithfulness or your own role by comparing yourself with somebody else.

After that, there are distinctions in their lives: Peter serves by tending the flock of God and by glorifying God in his death; and John the beloved disciple serves by following Jesus throughout a long life, and as the trustworthy disciple who testifies to these things, and writes them down.

Here in John 21. we see the Lord Jesus Christ restoring a relationship with Peter. Through this, He reminds us that if our relationship is like Peter’s, and it is right with Him, it will be characterized by loving Him more than anything else. It will also be characterized by a willingness to sacrifice anything and everything for Him, including life itself if needed, and following Him at any cost no matter what He asks of us with no regard or concern for what others are asked to give by comparison.

Do we love Jesus more than anything?
Do we spend enough private time with Him?
Do our lives exemplify our love for Him?
Father, Help us to really know and love you, above all. Amen.