Do You Love Me?

Do You Love Me?

John 21: 1 - 19

Intro: How many times have you had someone very special to you ask one of the following questions? How much do you love me? Why do you love me? Do you love me? --- My favorite response to the last questions is, “You mean today?” That usually puts an end not only to the questions; but also ends the relationship.

I. Verse 15 – Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? --- textual problem.

A. This is Simon Peter who loved Capernum, his boat, fishing – HOME.

B. Do you love me more than these things? – How much do you love Jesus? --- What would you be willing to sacrifice for Him.

C. If you had 24 hours to get out of town, what would you take? That is a pretty good indication of what you love.

II. Is Jesus talking about the other disciples when he refers to “more than these”? It could be taken two ways.

A. Is your love for me greater than your love for them? Do we seek the approval of others at the expense of our relationship with Christ Jesus?

B. Is YOUR love for me greater than THEIRS? Peter was always bragging.

C. Is Jesus saying, choose them or me? --- And yet, the answer is simple, “You know that I love you.”

III. Verses 16 & 17 – Peter denied 3 times prior to the crucifixion. Is this a way of Jesus allowing Peter to undo the denial?

A. Verse 16 – “Take care of my sheep.” Love is the greatest privilege that brings the greatest responsibility.

B. Verse 17 – 18 – Love often takes us where we would not normally go – (Old Calgon commercial – Calgon take me away. )

C. Love of Christ takes you away, away from the familiar, away from the comfortable, away from yourself.

Conclu: Christ Jesus comes to you and I today in this place asking “Do you love me?” --- How much do you love me? Will you love me tomorrow and the day after? Or will you only love when it doesn’t cost you anything?