True, Godly Love

True, Godly Love (John 21:15-17)

John 21:15-17

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, 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."

16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep."

17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

(NKJ)

What is the meaning of love? What does love mean to you?

(Ask)

If I were to say "I love you" to Kay, it would mean something different than if I were to say "I love you" to Dave, or to Turtle, or to Matt.

I once heard a pastor ask a question, and I'll ask you the same question. Why do you think that God had the Bible written in the three languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek? Why didn't He just use some other language?

Here's the reason, especially with Greek. Greek is one of the most accurate, if not the most accurate languages on the face of the earth in describing by the words what is meant by the heart, by the mind, by the soul.

We see this in John 21, starting with verse 15.

Doesn't it sound like Jesus is being a pest here? Doesn't it sound like Jesus is asking Peter the same question over and over? Guess what? He's not. There is some differences that we can't see in the English language, but if we look to the Greek we can see them and see how powerful this entire section of scripture really is.

I) The Greek Words For Love

In the Greek language, there are four words for love. The first word is only seen in it's opposite form, and that word is stergein. It carries a meaning of a love that is a natural love, such as a father toward children, toward his wife because that's according to nature.

The second word is Eros, which is a word that describes what most people think of when the English word love is used. Love has been twisted in the last 100 years or so, and especially in the last 50.

Eros is a word of sensuality. It is expressed in the relationship between a man and a woman in physical terms. The ancient Greeks, in fact, had gods that personified this passion, Aphrodite and Eros, which we today know as Venus and Cupid. So if you think that Cupid is a little angel sent from God to fling arrows of love into men and women, you're sadly mistaken.

The intent of the word Eros is one of a physical attraction between a man and a woman, and is of course appropriate and beautiful when that man and woman enjoy Eros love in a godly married bond. But Eros love is only one of the types of love that should exist between a man and a woman; we will see that all three loves should exist.

The next word is "Phileo". What do you think of when you hear of "Phileo"? Philadelphia, the "city of brotherly love" and philharmonic, which means "friendly harmonies"--beautiful music.

The word Phileo, according to Spiros Zodiates in the Complete Word Study New Testament, is "Generally to have affection for someone. Of things, to be fond of, to like. With the idea of overweening fondness. Robertson, in Robertson's Word Pictures, states that phileo is "love as a friend"

Now that you see two of these words, and their meanings, let's go back to the scripture and take it apart piece by piece.

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, 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."

Jesus now calls Peter by his given name of Simon, which He hadn't called him in years. This shows a starting over of sorts; Peter had been so bold in his statement of love for Jesus, and in his allegience to Him saying that he would never betray Him. But, how the proud do fall. Hours after making that statement, Peter denied Jesus not once, not twice but three times, even cussing loudly. All while Jesus looked on.

When we are called to God's service, it is to be humble. Just about the time we get puffed up and proud, God knocks us down a few pegs. No where in scripture does it say that "the proud will inherit the earth". Instead it says the meek--the humble, those who serve--inherit the earth. Peter learned a lesson about life in the Lord's service as he wept bitterly. I would say that he suffered from a New Testament depression by betraying someone that he loved so very much, one that the Holy Spirit had revealed to him as God the Son.