Israel – Do You Love Me More? - Seeds of Scripture

Israel – Do You Love Me More?

November 16, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

The Sea of Galilee from Peter’s Primacy

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John,
do you love me more than these? “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

Then Jesus told him “Follow me.”

John 21:15-17,19 (NLT)

I don’t like change. I hold tightly to the comfort and efficiency of familiarity.

Lysa TerKeurst teaches at the Sea of Galilee

At Peter’s house along the Sea of Galilee, Lysa TerKeurst taught that God doesn’t want us to get so settled in our comfort zone that we miss opportunities to follow Him into new territory.

Like Peter, Jesus’ fisherman disciple.

After the resurrection, Peter was probably uncertain of both his purpose and future. Missing his Friend and nursing the shame of denial, he returned home to fish. Jesus sought Peter out to
forgive him.

Do you love me more than these?

What were ‘these’? Was Jesus pointing toward Peter’s boat and fish? His family and friends?

If you love me more than ‘these’, feed my lambs, tend my sheep, and feed my sheep. Jesus describes a shepherd’s daily rhythm: calling the lambs by name, loving on them, and making sure they get the most tender grass; caring for the sheep, inspecting them for injury or illness; and leading them into pastures for grazing.

If you love me more than ‘these’, shepherd My flock.

The characteristics of a shepherd differ significantly from those of a fisherman. A fisherman quickly sorts his catch, counting the keepers and discarding those unworthy of sale so as not to pay unnecessary taxes. Jesus is not merely forgiving Peter. He’s turning him into a shepherd.

If you love me more than ‘these’, follow me.

What do you love more than Jesus?

Does it prevent you from leaving your comfort zone to follow
Him?

#SeedsOfScripture #FollowMe #Israel #P31HolyLand #ComfortZone @LysaTerKeurst

2 Comments

CHERRILYNN BISBANO on November 17, 2015 at 5:37 PM

One of my favorite stories. Being in the military shot me out of my comfort zone. I thrive on excitement and change. I need to learn to relax and stay put more. Our God is so good to us. Thank you for sharing.

Reply
CathyChung on December 1, 2015 at 11:11 PM

I'm sure the military did take you beyond your comfort zone. You seem to have thrived on it.

Reply

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Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.