"Do you love me?" Jesus' question to Peter is more than a sentimental inquiry, His question goes to the heart of the purpose of men. Dr. T.V. Farris of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary observed that if the greatest commandment is to love God with all of one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, then the greatest sin of all is to fail this commandment -- and how Peter had failed! The last night of Christ's passion, Peter had denied being a follower of the incarnate Lord three times. In this passage, Peter's three-fold denial is graciously forgiven by the risen Christ and provided a three-fold opportunity for Peter to affirm his love for the Savior. What is so striking is how contrary to the greatest commandment his denial was, and how deep the shame of such a failure. Is it any wonder that Peter bitterly wept?
Personally, as a Christian, I have to ask of myself, and then of the Church, who among us has kept this greatest of commandments for any length of time? Most of us would not consider ourselves to be grossly sinful; yet the one thing we were created for -- a deep, abiding, consuming love for God - eludes us, all the while we busy ourselves with being sure that we stay clear of greed, pride, lust, anger, impatience, and a host of other sinful traits. My analysis brings me to state that a great many disciples have put on the full armor of God and that the battle is being fought on these previously mentioned notable fronts. As a result, we spend our time and energy fighting symptoms when the ultimate source of our sinfulness is a loveless heart toward God, the most grievous sin of all.
True, genuine, discipleship as taught by Dr. Farris is an outgrowth of love for the risen, ascended Christ. After years of following in Jesus' steps, we may discover, like Peter, Paul, and John, that Jesus values our affections even more than our works. The wise disciple has come to know it is out of love that the works, the works which will not be lost to the flame, flow from. It has rightly been observed that if we fail at this point of love, we will have failed the ultimate failure, but to have our love for Him revived is to experience ultimate joy.
Does Jesus' piercing question lodge in your heart? If so, ask Him to rekindle in your heart an abiding love for Him.