Do You Love Me?

Walking in the Word
John 21 : 15-17 

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”    <sup>“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
   Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
 16 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.”
 17 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"

Responding to the word

That's one of the coolest stories in the Bible.  The Resurrected Jesus making breakfast for His disciples.  And did you see what He said to Peter?  He asked Him if he loved Him three times!  Peter was somewhat insulted.  He thought his actions may have proved it.  Even though he had denied Jesus three times, he had just jumped out of a floating boat to run to Jesus.  Be Jesus had his own purposes for that early morning visit.  He was there to restore Peter.  He was preparing Peter for upcoming days when Peter would be boldly preach the name of Jesus Christ and the life-changing message of the Gospel.  Sometimes we mess up too.  We may not "deny Jesus" but we do sin and fall short of God's standard.  Isn't it great to realize the Jesus offers forgiveness to all who ask.</sup>


Praying in the Word

Father, How I praise you this morning the third day of VBS.  Thank you for bringing every child to Vacation Bible School.  I pray we would bring Glory to You in everything we do.  Thank you for offering forgiveness for all who ask in the name of Jesus Christ.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

The Golden Ticket

Walking in the Word

John 12:21

²¹ Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

Responding to the Word

I loved the movie, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."  I am referring to the original version.  Remember the golden ticket?  Remember the joy and anticipation that erupted after a poor white child named Charlie found it?  I believe that same joy and anticipation filled the hearts of the Greeks who came and asked to see Jesus.  Those five words are life-changing.  "We wish to see Jesus!"  

Today, you and I have privilege of meeting with and talking with Jesus on a daily basis.  We don't need to go to Philip and then to Andrew like the Greeks did in the Bible.  We don't even need to go to a Pastor or Teacher to talk with Jesus.  We simply bow our heads, clear our minds and talk with Jesus as if He's sitting right beside you.  
Praying in the Word

Father, Help us to talk with You as if You are in the room with us.  Please forgive any sin that interferes between our love for You.  Father, thank you for great night of Prayer-Walking last night.  I pray you bring several to the Kingdom and to VBS. In Jesus' Name, Amen