OCTOBER  19

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION

JOHN 21:15-17


“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.” (John 21:15)

This was one of the very last times Jesus was with His disciples before He ascended back to the Father. The whole plan of God was just hours away from being committed into the hands of these men. Everything Jesus had accomplished, and was yet to accomplish, would soon be committed into their trust. What a profound moment!

What would the Lord deem the most important thing to say to these disciples? What last-minute instructions would you give if you were in this situation? Surprisingly to many, the Lord questioned Peter about his love. Three times Peter denied that he knew Christ. Now, three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.

The most important issue for all of us is our love for the Lord. Everything else revolves around this issue. It’s easy to get so busy serving the Lord that we don’t have any time to fellowship with Him. Ultimately, this leads to emptiness, frustration, and ineffectiveness.

Prior to his denial, Peter loved Jesus enough to be willing to fight to the death for Him (Luke 22:33 and John 18:10). But it’s easier to fight than it is to suffer. Peter didn’t love the Lord more than himself. That’s why He not only asked Peter if he loved Him but if he loved Him more than these.

Do you love Jesus more than anyone or anything? That’s the most important question! (AW)