Jesus and the apostle Peter had a necessary and even therapeutic conversation in John 21. Peter had vehemently denied Jesus three times while his Savior and Friend stood on trial. So, in this conversation, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” (21:15-17). Much is often made about the fact that Jesus used two different Greek words in asking Peter of his love. However, let’s simplify this.
Forget the fact, for a moment, that Jesus changed from asking, “Do you agapao Me?” to asking, “Do you phileo Me?” And just think about this. What would you do if Jesus asked you, “Do you love Me?” What would you do if Jesus asked you three times, “Do you love Me?”
Now, it’s not going to be verbal, but Jesus is asking you today, “Do you love Me?” What’s your answer? After we sin, Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?” What’s your answer? In the midst of our pain and hurt, Jesus asks, “Do you love Me?” When He hasn’t heard from us in a while, He asks, “Do you love Me?” What’s your answer? Jesus wants to know, “Do you love Me?”