Reflections

Lovest thou Me?

When Jesus Christ was about to leave this world He placed His affairs largely in the hands of one man - Simon Peter (John 21:15-17). Now that, you must admit, appeared a very daring thing to do, especially as Peter had not proved too trustworthy in the past. Yet Jesus did not hesitate to do it.

Before handing to him the tremendous responsibility of holding the keys of the Kingdom, however, there was something about which Jesus wanted to be sure, and so taking Simon Peter aside He asked him a thrice-repeated question . What was it? "Peter are you familiar with the principles of public speaking?" No. "Peter do you understand the technical details of my religion?" No. "Peter are you able to handle the financial matters relating to My Church?" No. What was it then? It was this. "Peter do you love Me?" And that brothers and sisters, is the core of Christianity. 

It is fascinating to watch the play upon words here, for two Greek words come into focus in this passage. The word Jesus used in His probing question was Agape- Lovest (Agape) thou Me? Peter's reply, however, was  couched in the weaker Greek word Philio- meaning friendship. But if Christ was to build a Kingdom He needed more than loyalty from Peter - He needed his  complete and unqualified love. The third response Peter made included the the word Agape - "You know that I love you (Agape)" - Peter was now ready for his new responsibility in opening up the gates of the Kingdom of God at Pentecost. But this is not just a scrap of history, for Jesus is still standing on that shore looking straight into your eyes and asking that same question  "Do you love Me?" What is your response? Agape or Philio?