44. Love covers all

Background:
Matthew mentions that Peter proclaimed he would never be offended of Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus replied with the prediction that Peter would deny Him three times. (matthew 26:33-34). Sadly the prediction came true, and Peter denied even knowing the Lord three times before it was morning, and having remembered the words of our Savior, Peter "went out and wept bitterly" (Matthew 26:75) undoubtedly shamed by his denial of the Christ. After the resurrection of our Lord, Peter went faithfully to Galilee to wait for the Lords arrival, but in doing so he also returned to his old lifestyle as being a fisherman (John 21:3). Our story application begins after breakfast...

"So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?"
John 21:15a

Greek:
The word 'love' in this passage is actually two different words, the first here being mentioned by Jesus, is a self determination of the will to love, it is action as well as devotion; the Greek word for it is agapaō. The next is used by Peter in his respose, it defines more of an affection or fondness for someone, a love between friends, the Greek is phileō.

"He (Peter) said to Him (Jesus), "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."

21:15b

Jesus would ask the question once more, and Peter would reply the same. Every time that Peter answered the Lord's question Jesus would reply by reinstating Peters potition in the church, to take care and shepherd the others (sheep and lambs). The third time Jesus asks Peter the question of love, the Lord probes deeper into his heart asking this time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you phileō me?" (john 21:17) And peter was grieved because the Lord asked him on the third time if he even considered Him a friend. Peter said yes, and the Lord went on to describe the manner by which Peter would die for his loyalty to Christ.

Application:
Peter denied the Lord three times, and three times the Lord asked His questions, digging deeper into Peters heart. In our sins we can be overwhelmed and burdened beyond all hope, trapped in the bondage of our own shame, thinking, "the Lord could never forgive me". But the truth is, He already has. Jesus needed to talk to Peter, not to condemn him or tell him how disapointed He was, but to lift him back into the potition He already gave to Peter. Three times Peter denied, three time the Lord reinstated him; completing beyond all doubt the forgiveness He had for Peter. As a result, Peter would never be shaken again, living up to his title as the rock, he would later choose to die for Christ; being hung from a cross upside down.

Reflection:
What shame is in your life that you have not given over to the blood of Christ? Are you holding onto your old chains of bondage and familiar pains of your past that have wounded you so deeply? Are you afraid to let go of the very pain that has been your companion all these years, reminding you of your shortcomings like the foul odor of a gangrenous wound? Or are you willing to allow Christ to perform his surgery and work through the pain in order that you may be truly healed and set free? There is no anesthetic and tears are guareenteed, but the healing is worth the process. Trust in Jesus, He is faithful to forgive us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Don't you think its time you let go of your past, and let God direct your future?