John 21:17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
The resurrected Christ Jesus asked Peter three times, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”. Peter was hurt that Jesus asked him the same poignant question three times; however, Jesus was driving the pivotal principle of discipleship to his ardent disciple. Bible scholars have various interpretations for the repetition of the same question to Peter. Some scholars say that Jesus made Peter confess his love for Him three times to negate the three denials/betrayals of Peter. Another elucidation is the use of the word ‘love’ in Greek. Like many primordial languages, Greek has several descriptive words for ‘love’. However, English has translated all three as ‘love’. The first two times, Jesus asked Peter, “do you agape me?” but the last time he asked “do you phileo me?” ‘Agape’ is unconditional or Godly love that keeps on giving even to an unresponsive and unworthy sinner. ‘Phileo’ is a mutual expression of affection, fondness, and companionship. Phileo is intimate brotherly relational and friendship love.
Both of the above explanations stand on solid ground however, the repeated questions of Jesus to Peter had deeper significance. Jesus was making an incremental progression in the level of loyalty and love of Peter. He was nailing the successive culmination to Peter’s commitment. Jesus made Peter confess that His love for Him was comparatively more than his love for his family(people), profession and preferences(priorities). “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26). Here again, the word ‘hate’ is a poor translation from Greek to English. The God of Love did not demand us to hate our spouse, siblings and society. The word ‘hate’ is ‘love more than’. If we love our family, friends and fun more than God, we are disqualified to be His disciples.
Jesus is asking the same question to you and me – “(Your Name) Do you love me”?
1. People: Do you love Jesus more than your spouse, children, parents and friends? The ripple effect of our love gets intense as the circle gets smaller. The core of our love must be pivoted on Jesus. The phileo love and our fellowship with Christ must be deeper than any human relationship.
2. Profession: Do you love Jesus more than your career? Does your profession take higher priority than prayer? Jesus asked Peter if he was willing to give up his fishing career to become the fisher of men. The excellence in our career will make an indelible score only if we are steeped in Christ.
- Preferences: Do your preferences, priorities and pleasures override godly principles? The devil is a liar and has fooled people that they cannot overcome certain behaviour patterns, as they are born broken! Promiscuity, gluttony or self-pity are not weaknesses but choices. Pleasure and preferences that are Christ centered, prove our phileo love to Him.
Love is an action word, it is not an adjective.
Romans 8:32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us.
Prayer: Father of Love, May my phileo love for You be far above my love for people, profession or preferences. Amen.
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