Wednesday, March 30, 2016

In our last visit we noted how Jesus affirmed and reassigned Peter to his role as an apostle. It is noteworthy to recognize, the first two times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him He used the word “agape.” When Peter responded, He used the word “phileo.” The third time Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him He used the word “phileo.” This hurt Peter because this time Jesus had lowered the bar because “agape” love involves total commitment, “phileo” love emphasized human affection for someone. In humility Peter responded, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you (with human affection).” Peter was now not trying to impress Jesus with the level of his devotion. He was as honest as he could be. Jesus takes us where we are. Notice also, He accepts Peter’s first response by saying, “feed my lambs.” After Peter’s second response Jesus says, “take care of my sheep.” Then, when Jesus lowered the bar and Peter humbly, and honesty confessed He only was willing to say I love you with human affection, Jesus affirmed him by saying, “feed my sheep.” Jesus was ready to affirm and assign someone who was humble and honest, even though he had not matured to a devotion that was complete. All Jesus asked was that Peter would follow Him! If you want to be used by Jesus, what He asks is that you humbly and honestly confess where you are and continue to follow Him by faith. He’ll take care of the rest, assigning and using you as He deems best.