Do You Love Me?

DO YOU LOVE ME?

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 21:15-21

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 22:37–38, Revelation 2:4–5, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19, 1 Peter 1:22

INTRODUCTION:

This passage captures a touching and transformative moment between Jesus and Peter after the resurrection. It is a conversation of restoration, recommissioning, and realignment. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”, mirroring the three times Peter had denied Him. It was not to embarrass him, but to restore him and rekindle the fire of devotion.

The Lord desires more than just service; He longs for relationship. The question “Do you love Me?” goes beyond Peter and echoes to every disciple today. Love is the foundation of every meaningful Christian life. Without love for Christ, all our labour, titles, or activities lose value.

In this sermon, we will consider what it means to truly love Jesus and how that love should be expressed in our daily walk, ministry, and relationships.

1. TRUE LOVE FOR JESUS IS EXPRESSED THROUGH OBEDIENCE

Love is not just a feeling—it is proven through action.

a) Love demands obedience to Christ's commands

(John 14:15) – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

b) Jesus connects love to responsibility—‘Feed my sheep’

(John 21:15–17) – Each response from Peter comes with a commission.

c) Loving Jesus requires personal sacrifice

(Luke 9:23) – Deny yourself and take up your cross daily.

d) Real love does not negotiate with God's will

(1 Samuel 15:22) – To obey is better than sacrifice.

Biblical Example: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac proved his love and trust in God (Genesis 22:1–14).

2. LOVE FOR JESUS MEANS FOLLOWING HIM WITHOUT DISTRACTION

Jesus calls us to follow Him fully, not half-heartedly.

a) We must not compare our calling with others

(John 21:21–22) – “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.”

b) Love for Jesus is not competitive but personal

(2 Corinthians 10:12) – Comparing ourselves among ourselves is unwise.

c) God has a unique path for every believer

(Jeremiah 29:11) – His plans for us are individual and perfect.

d) Distraction is a sign of divided affection

(Luke 10:40–42) – Martha was distracted, but Mary chose the better part.

Biblical Example: Mary Magdalene followed Jesus with undivided attention and devotion (John 20:11–18).

3. LOVE FOR JESUS WILL BE TESTED BUT MUST ENDURE

Real love stands firm, even under pressure.

a) Peter had failed, but love brought him back

(Luke 22:61–62) – He wept bitterly, yet Jesus restored him.

b) God’s love for us is what enables our love for Him

(1 John 4:19) – We love Him because He first loved us.

c) Persecution and trials will test your love for Christ

(Romans 8:35–39) – Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ.

d) Only enduring love leads to a crown

(James 1:12) – Blessed is the man who endureth temptation.

Biblical Example: The Church in Smyrna was commended for their enduring love amidst tribulation (Revelation 2:8–11).

CONCLUSION:

Jesus does not first ask for your work, offering, or position. He first asks for your heart. Love is the root of every fruitful walk with God. Like Peter, you may have failed before, but Jesus still asks today: “Do you love Me?” He is willing to restore and recommission you if your answer is sincere.

Let us lay aside distractions, comparisons, and coldness of heart, and recommit our love to Jesus. It is love that keeps us going when strength fails. It is love that transforms a broken follower into a bold apostle.