Jesus: "Do you love me?"

April 20, 2020 Monday Message:

“Simon son of John, do you love me?” John 21:17 NLT

As the disciples ate breakfast on the beach, Jesus asked this question of Simon - three times - and by now, Simon considered it ‘asked-and-answered.’ Upset, hurt and somewhat frustrated, he replied, “Lord, you know everything! You KNOW that I love you!”

And then Jesus commands, “Then feed my sheep.”

This ‘sheep’ analogy is used throughout the Bible. Taking care of all the believers is frequently referred to as ‘tending the flock.’ 2,000 years ago, people were closer to rural life than nowadays, so most people knew what was required to take care of sheep. Back then, the analogy made a lot of sense. Most people knew the job description of a good shepherd, with Jesus being the ultimate example of a Good Shepherd.

Now pretend with me that you are present at that breakfast meeting, but this time, instead of asking Simon, Jesus asks that same question of you. Go ahead; insert your own name; say it out loud: “(name), do you love me?”

And you answer, “Yes, Lord, of course I do!”

And then, just like Simon Peter, Jesus commands you to, “Feed my sheep!” Consider this a personal invitation to join the Great Commission. Jesus didn’t call only Simon to minister – He calls ALL of us to spread the Good News, to make disciples of all nations, and then baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus wants to include you on the team. He wants us off the bench and in the game!

God’s blessings on you and your loved ones this Easter season!

Norton Lawellin, Worship Pastor

Jesus in the City Fellowship.

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406