When 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.” Again, 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.” The 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. (John 21:15-17)
What Jesus tried to convey to Peter was also an important principle of discipleship. Love for me is not measured in emotions or words, but in your willingness to feed my sheep. The kind of food that he was talking about was not just meeting someone’s physical needs (although it can be that) but feeding my sheep through the words that I give you as well as the knowledge of me that comes through your love for me. Remember also that this “feed my sheep” measurement is not meant to determine your love for the sheep, but your love for me. For you, this is one important way to grow in your ministry to the sheep: not trying to love them more but learning how to love me more. You still have to choose to feed them, but that choice becomes much easier when it is motivated by your love for me.
— December 14, 2020