ESOCS Devotional 18 May 2022
TEXT: JOHN 21:15-19
MEMORY VERSE: ““After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? … Then feed mylambs, Jesus Said.’” John 21:15 NLT
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
This post-resurrection event took place at the seashore of Tiberias. Recall that Peter had undergone a three and a half (3½) years discipleship training under the Master, only for him to return to his fishing trade, following the death of Jesus.Recall also that Peter had openly denied Jesus three times before now. It is also important to note that this same Peter betrayed his apostleship before Jesus by drawing the sword (John 18:10-11), even when this was against the Master’s counsel. Yet, the Lord went all out of the way to look for him, and to re- commission him for ministry work. Little wonder the scripture refers to the love of Christ as self-sacrificial, that cannot be compared to any other (John 15:13). It is an unconditional love that is even extended to enemies (Matt. 5:43-44).
In the presence of the other disciples, Jesus intentionally questioned Peter for his renewed faithfulness: “Do you truly love me more than these?” Probably Jesus wanted them to hear of Peter’s restored loyalty and re-dedication to theministry. These were also witnesses to Peter’s open denials and abandonment.
Be that as it may, it is clear that the love of Christ surpasses all others. The love of Christ should control us and everything we do as believers. Since we accept that He died for all, believers should also be dead in their old or natural life. He diedfor everyone, so those who have received His new life should no longer live for themselves only. Instead, they shouldlive their lives for Christ and for others.
So, stop judging others from a human point of view. Love Christ, above all, love the brotherhood, and scripturally feed the hungry souls for Christ. Judge not others, lest ye be judged (Matt. 7:1-5).
- You have done so much to establish people as a believer. Yet, none of them comes back to show appreciation. Do you think this is enough for you to stop good works?
- Lord Jesus, please impress your habit of unconditional love on me, that I be not condemned.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Job 14:1-14; Zechariah 8:1-8; Hebrews 2:11-18
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ESOCS Devotional 18 May 2022
