"Yes, Lord, You know that i love You."

One of the sweetest stories in the bible ever. John 21. Peter... one of Jesus' disciples, one who we relate to all too often.

But let's rewind. John 18. As Jesus (innocent, pure, true) is sentenced to be crucified, Peter- scared of those who hated Jesus- denies that he even knows Jesus...one, two, three times. I could write for hours about the times I've denied and deny Jesus daily. But... that's not the point of this post. Let's fast forward to John 21.

Peter first touches my heart when he jumps out of the boat into the water to swim to Jesus. (John 21: 7-11). But it gets even better.

John 21:15-17 "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 a third time. He said, "Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you."

What a beautiful picture. As Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus reinstates him. Jesus has reinstated for us once and for all upon the cross. How many times a day do I deny the Lord...do I (even unintentionally) show no trace of love for Him? As I read these stories of Peter, I am touched. Peter...bold, wrong, loving, angry, sinful, emotional, strong, human. I see so much of myself in him- the good and the bad. I am both encouraged and convicted. As I grow to love Jesus more, I need Him more and more. Through things I face every day, I feel like He is challenging me, asking me, pursuing me. "Do you love me more than these?"

These...what are these? Do you love me more than... these people's opinions? these grades? these gifts? these dollars? these boys? these family members? these temptations? So often my actions speak louder than my words. But, I am forgiven. My past is forgiven. My mistakes today. And my denials in 20 years. Covered by His blood. I'll tell him both now and in forever in eternity, "Yes, Jesus, You know that i love You."

Hebrews 9:14 "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God."

1 Peter 4:14 "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed..."

2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."