Do You Love More Than These?

 Many people have the desire to be the best they can be at all that they do. This is a good trait to have. It keeps us growing and moving forward, instead of being stagnant. However, most people don't have that characteristic. They simply want to get by. They are satisfied with being average in whatever they do. How would you describe yourself?

Jesus met with some of His disciples by the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection. He was there to speak with Peter in a very pointed way. (John 21:15) When they had finished eating breakfast, Jesus spoke to Peter. He asked him if he loved Him "more than these." Peter told Jesus that He did love Him, so Jesus asked Peter to tend His lambs. We need to consider why Jesus asked Peter that question the way He did.

Peter had just been fishing, and they were eating fish for breakfast. Jesus could have been asking Peter if he loved Him more than he loved fishing, which had been his profession before following Jesus. Jesus wants all of us to love Him more than we love our occupation, our money, and our pursuits in life. If we do love Him more than these, we will obey Him when He calls us to minister to other people and serve Him in various ways.

Jesus also could have been asking Peter if He loved Jesus more than the other disciples loved Jesus. In other words, He was seeking to know if Peter's love was so strong that he would be able to be a leader for the other disciples. The reason for that is that we can't lead a person farther than we have already gone ourselves. If Peter loved more than these, he could tend Jesus's flock well. I am glad Peter did both well, and I pray we will, too.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 1-4.