Merciful Love
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’”
John 21:15
This is perhaps one of the most touching scenes in John’s Gospel. After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared several times to His disciples. Here on the shore Jesus was preparing breakfast and invited the Apostles to join Him. After eating, Jesus spoke with Peter. We probably expected Jesus to ask Peter, “What happened? Why did you leave and deny me like that?” but instead Jesus asked him, “Do you love me?”
Jesus never brought up what had happened just days and weeks ago — how Peter after having said he’d die for Him, leave Him and deny of ever having known Him. Jesus simply yet profoundly asked Peter, “Do you love me?” not once but three times. With each time, Peter must have been brought deeper and deeper into his history and relationship with Jesus. That question invited Peter to think about who he was, who Jesus was, and why they’re there. In fact, Jesus reminds Peter who he was with that question, and He also gave him a task. Only when we know who we are and whose we are will be be moved to mission.
Jesus doesn’t hold our sins against us and over our heads. Jesus approaches us with mercy, love, and an invitation. Jesus also doesn’t force us into relationship with Him. He asks, “Do you love me?” He respects our agency and free will. Today Jesus comes to you with an invitation of relationship and offers you love and mercy. How will you respond?
