The most important question

Jesus asks one seven-word question that is the most exacting he could ever put to us. He has risen from the dead after his disciples deserted him at his arrest and crucifixion, and he finds them back out fishing – doing what they did before he called them. When he reveals himself through a miraculous catch of fish, echoing how he first met them, he sits with them for a meal on the beach. Around that fire he asks Peter the most difficult question of his life: "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'" (John 21:15). A conversation follows in which Jesus uses the word agape – sacrificial love – while Peter replies with philio, brotherly love. Peter essentially admits, rightly given that he forsook Jesus, that he doesn't yet love him with a love that would cause him to surrender his will and his life. He will get there, and ultimately give everything for Jesus. But this question isn't for Peter alone – Jesus asks it of all of us. "These" is whatever holds more importance to you in this life than him: your reputation, job, money, social media, sports, appearance. Do you love me more than these? Enough to give them up? Only you can answer. And the answer makes all the difference. (Craig B). Open Bible – bit.ly/Joh21v15