ESOCS Devotional 16 April 2021
TEXT: JOHN 21:15-19
MEMORY VERSE: “He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, yea, Lord thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, feed my sheep.” John 21:16 KJV
Our text relates the conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter, on one of the occasions that He had appeared to them after His resurrection. The incident took place at the Sea of Tiberias after the miraculous catching of fish. Three times the question was asked “Do you love me?” and three times the answer was given by Simon.
The love being referred to in the question of Jesus to Simon is that of agape love; the love of the Father as stated in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This love is unreserved, unconditional, unwavering, and totally oriented for the good of the other.
Jesus demonstrated this love while He was on earth and taught same to His disciples. To be able to carry out the great commission of feeding the sheep, one must be ready to see the sheep through the eye of Jesus Christ.
The sheep or lamb being referred to in our text is the people who need guidance. To be able to lead or guide the sheep aright, you must love and have compassion for it. So, Jesus asks Simon of his love for Him because it is only when you are filled with agape love that you will be willing to go the extra mile, just to ensure that you lead the church and give good guidance.
As a child of God, you must be ready to carry out the great commission of the Father by preaching the gospel, making disciple of people, and leading through the set standards of the word of God. Jesus reiterates that it is only those who love Him that keep His words (John 14: 23); and anyone who keeps His commandment proves that he loves Him (John 14: 21).
We have the responsibility to take care of not only ourselves, our body, and our soul but also our church and our neighbours. We are Jesus’ disciples and in order to support us, He sent the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is with us and fills us with wisdom and courage, so that we can become a faithful community, so as to reach the world with the gospel for the people who need God’s comfort, grace, mercy, and love. Let’s depend on the Holy Spirit for this and the Holy Spirit will support all of us.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
Do you love Jesus? What are the difficulties you encounter when you keep the word of God and how do you intend to overcome them?
PRAYER POINT
Ask God to give you the grace to do His will, so that you will enjoy His blessings upon your life.
FURTHER READING:
John 14:15-23; 10:11-18
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ESOCS Devotional 16 April 2021
