In our last visit we reviewed John 21 and discovered that Jesus probed into the heart of Peter to see whether his answers were authentic. When He asked Peter if he had a phileo, fond affection for Him Peter humbly replied, “Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you, that is, have a fond affection for you.”
He was not ready to boast about having an agape kind of love for Jesus. He was honest, but authentically committed. When Jesus exposed his true heart He affirmed him by assigning him the responsibility to “feed my sheep.”
Even though Peter had not matured in his commitment to where he had an agape kind of love for Jesus, he was told to “feed my lambs.” Then, to “take care of my sheep.” Finally, to “feed my sheep.”
There would be a price to pay as he carried out his renewed commission. All Jesus required was to “Follow me!” Peter was ready to do that, but he wanted to know what Jesus was requiring of other disciples. Jesus made it clear that was none of his business. Jesus challenge was clear: “you must follow me.”
True, agape love is found only in relationship, intimate relationship. Peter would grow in his commitment to Jesus as he followed Him closely. Peter would be enabled to fulfill his assigned tasks as he followed Jesus closely. He would be able to endure whatever the enemy threw at him as he followed Jesus closely.
A phileo, fond affection for Jesus was sufficient to get started, but to grow and become mature in his walk and work he would need to follow Jesus closely. This is essential for the development of an agape kind of love relationship with Jesus.
This is what is required of all of us if we want our lives to count for Jesus.
