November 18, 2024 Devo

November 18th, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
Questions Jesus Asked
After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” – John 21:15 (NLT)
“Have You Learned Your Lesson Yet?”

One more look at the “more than these” question that Jesus asked. Maybe Jesus was asking Peter, “Do you love me more than these other followers love me?” It wouldn’t be an unthinkable thought for Peter to have. After all, he was a part of the inner circle of three that Jesus had. He was there at the Mount of Transfiguration. He was there when Jesus raised the synagogue ruler’s daughter to life. He was there with Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. He was even the one Jesus said He would build His Church upon. Maybe he DID love Jesus more than the others.
At least HE thought so. Remember at the Last Supper when Jesus told his disciples that He was going to be arrested, and they were all going to desert Him? Peter was offended. He assured Jesus that would never happen. He said, “Even if all these others leave you, I never will.” Did you catch that? Peter set himself apart in contrast to the others. He never said, “NONE of us would ever do something like that!” He threw the others under the chariot and informed Jesus that HE would be the one who would stand firm. That’s when Jesus told him the bad news. Before the night was over, Peter would deny Jesus three times.
It’s possible that Jesus was asking the question, “Do you love me more than these?” to test whether or not Peter had learned his lesson. Was he still that brash, cocky disciple who thought he was a bit ahead of everyone else? Was he still that arrogant, self-confident guy who believed more in HIMSELF than he did in his dependence on God’s Holy Spirit? You see, not everyone learns from their failures. Jesus’ question may have been a subtle test to see if Peter had learned and grown, or if he was going to need another lesson in humility.
Great point for us to do a heart check on ourselves today. What are some of the lessons that God has had to teach me the Hard Way? Now go deeper. Have I really learned that lesson? Have I humbled my heart, grown in my faith, and am I more dependent upon Him than I was in the past? Or do I still find myself leaning upon my own strength and making the same mistakes? That’s a great question for Jesus to ask ALL of us today. That’s God’s Word for you today.