Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
"Lovest thou me?"
As we love Christ we can't help loving our fellowman better.
"SIMON, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?" See John 21:15-17. After his resurrection Christ Jesus asked this question three times of the disciple Peter. Three times, the Bible tells us, Jesus required Peter to affirm his love and to follow a special command to feed his lambs and sheep. The third time Peter protested, exclaiming that Jesus must know of his devoted love for him.
What did the question, so persistently pressed, mean? It certainly gave Peter joyful redemption for the recognition and allegiance he had thrice denied to Jesus at the time of the crucifixion. The question also expresses Jesus' unconditional, sustaining love for his disciples—as well as his recognition of Peter's need. Peter needed to be healed of any debilitating remorse at having denied his beloved Master. He needed to be valued, directed, and cherished for the mission ahead of him.
Christ Jesus' questioning secured Peter in his mission, which he upheld faithfully, loyally, and with deep spiritual insight. There can be no doubt that Peter's life continued to bear witness to his affirmation that he did love Jesus. He lived and proved his love for Christ, the eternal message of God's healing and saving power, in his selfless service to God and man. Peter healed the sick, raised the dead, and learned to behold Jew and Gentile alike (a viewpoint entirely at odds with the Judaic teachings of the time). He walked free from prison chains. He shared with Paul in the teaching and healing work undertaken by the early Christians after the resurrection. His steadfast trust, courage, and example inspire Christians today.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
September 25, 1989 issue
View Issue-
Superstition
Elise L. Moore
-
FROM HAND TO HAND
L. E.
-
Exposing ignorance
Jack L. Cooke
-
On course
Eleanor Y. Clapp
-
SECOND THOUGHT
R. D. DeBlois Wright
-
Look until you can see
William A. Buell
-
The forces which tried to interpose themselves...
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
-
I know God's here. So how can I feel His presence?
Candace Rosovsky
-
Push, push, push, or stop, listen, and yield?
Sam L. Hornbeak
-
"Lovest thou me?"
Celia Barton
-
FROM THE DIRECTORS
The Christian Science Board Of Directors
-
Church—where love embraces all
William E. Moody
-
What is the right thing to do?
Ann Kenrick
-
I was a small child when I first heard the words Christian Science....
Elizabeth Seaton with contributions from James P. Seaton
-
I was first attracted to Christian Science through a healing my...
Robert B. Danielson with contributions from Josephine O. Danielson
-
Being a student of Christian Science has brought great blessings...
Diana Craun with contributions from Jim B. Craun
-
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing...
Elsbeth Rauthenstrauch