Knowing Who I Am
Scripture – John 21:15-19: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly 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. I tell you the truth, 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.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I have heard many sermons and lessons on this passage. Obviously the first focus is on the three questions Jesus asks Peter. While they sound the same, it looks like each one goes to a deeper level. Finally Peter gets to a basic truth: “Lord, you know all things.” Jesus knows who I am. He knows I love Him. He knows how I struggle sometimes to show that. He knows when I take Him for granted. He knows when my actions seem to show something else. If I’m going to offer my life to Him, I need to know who I’m offering. Christ wants an honest confession of who I am. He will help me see who I am – as imperfect as I am. Then His call still comes – “Follow me!”
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be as honest as I can. I do love Jesus Christ. I will live for Him today. I will trust Him today. I will love Him today.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Remind me to do that, Lord. Just remind me often today of your love for me – your never-ending love for me. Show me how to love you. Please continue teaching me what it means to follow you. For you, indeed, know all things, and you know that I love you.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I have heard many sermons and lessons on this passage. Obviously the first focus is on the three questions Jesus asks Peter. While they sound the same, it looks like each one goes to a deeper level. Finally Peter gets to a basic truth: “Lord, you know all things.” Jesus knows who I am. He knows I love Him. He knows how I struggle sometimes to show that. He knows when I take Him for granted. He knows when my actions seem to show something else. If I’m going to offer my life to Him, I need to know who I’m offering. Christ wants an honest confession of who I am. He will help me see who I am – as imperfect as I am. Then His call still comes – “Follow me!”
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be as honest as I can. I do love Jesus Christ. I will live for Him today. I will trust Him today. I will love Him today.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Remind me to do that, Lord. Just remind me often today of your love for me – your never-ending love for me. Show me how to love you. Please continue teaching me what it means to follow you. For you, indeed, know all things, and you know that I love you.
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