The Joy of Glory

John 20:30-21:19 (click here)
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. [18] Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” [19] (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” (John 21:17-19)

Reflection
What is the result of love for Christ?

Jesus makes it pretty explicit… love for him will show up in love for his people. If Peter loves Jesus, he is to “feed his sheep.” Care for the church, love the church, and lead the church into a deeper love for Jesus.

Peter is charged to do this no matter what happens, no matter what comes his way, no matter what he loses…even his own life.

Jesus tells Peter that the path of loving him will lead Peter to serve the church until it costs him his very life. Peter’s love for Jesus and the church will lead him ultimately to death, but it will be a death that glorifies God!

How?

Because Peter’s death will show that nothing, not even his own life, is worth more than knowing Jesus and making him known.

Do we love Jesus? What is the evidence?

The best evidence that we love Jesus is that we give our lives to help others know and love him…no matter the cost!

Put your name in Peter’s place and here the words of Jesus… “__________, do you love me?… Then feed my sheep.”

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.