John 21:15-19 (NIV)
15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Reflection
Many of us may have experiences serving at a homeless shelter or nursing home, tutoring children or babysitting, or helping out neighbors. In a short time, we realize that people have many needs and it takes a great deal of love to care for them completely. Jesus called Peter to be a fisher of men, and yet at Jesus’ death, Peter denies Jesus three times. What makes it possible for Peter to serve men, if he retreats from serving Jesus? In this transforming encounter with Jesus, Peter is humbled and undone by Christ’s love and forgiveness. Peter is not known as the denier, but his reference point is now one who serves. He is called to feed Jesus’ sheep.
Responding to the Transmission
How do we become servants? It is as Christ served us first and then calls us to serve others. May He be reference point in loving others. Let’s be undone once again by Christ’s love and forgiveness. Let’s pray that the campuses and missional groups would be a blessing to others by serving others in every opportunity.
