Devotion: Reflection
Please review the scripture from the weekend: John 21:15-19
What does it mean to love Jesus? In his sermon, Pastor Greg explained how modern English translations of this passage don’t get to its true meaning, because they don’t differentiate between the different types of love Jesus and Peter are talking about. In the original Greek, the passage wasn’t just a repetition of the same exchange three times, but a more complex back and forth over the kinds of love they want and are capable of. However, one thing that does come through in English is that loving Jesus is more than just saying the words, whether that word is “philia” or “agape.” Loving Jesus requires action.
Every time Peter said he loved the Lord, Jesus told him to take care of His sheep. There are small differences in the phrasing each time that may hint at more subtle differences, but the idea in all three instances is that to love Christ means to care for those He came to save: everyone. As Pastor Greg also pointed out, American Christianity often treats loving Jesus as a personal, “Jesus is my best buddy,” one-to-one relationship kind of thing. But as He himself points out in this passage, loving the Lord necessarily involves action, compassion, and care for our neighbors.
These actions aren’t our salvation, of course. That only comes through Christ Himself. But they are how He expects us to love Him. Treating faith as nothing more than a personal relationship is comfortable and safe, but if we’re not out in the world loving, feeding, and supporting our siblings, we’re no better than Peter getting frustrated and insisting he loves Jesus without really listening to Him.
Holy God, the temptation to focus our faith solely on our relationship with You is strong. The world is a scary and uncomfortable place, and so often it’s easier to close ourselves off from others. Please help us remember that loving You is more than a one-on-one relationship, and give us the strength to get out of our comfort zones and tend Your sheep. Amen.
Written by Preston Thiemann
Preston Thiemann and his wife, Rachel, live in Lincoln with their daughter, Clara. He is the Web Content Coordinator for the ASEM Marketing team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he’s worked since April 2015. At Sheridan, he also plays guitar with the Praise Band and is active in Sheridan’s 20s & 30s group called Second Quarter.
In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with friends.