Mighty Monday - March 23, 2026

After a seaside breakfast, Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?”

I assume with joy on his face at an opportunity to express the depth of his love, Peter excitedly exclaimed, “Yes Lord. You know that I love You.”

Then Jesus told Peter to take care of His people.

But in this same space of time, Jesus asks Peter a second time, “Do you love me?”

Steadfast in his response, Peter again says, ‘Yes Lord. You know that I love You.”

Once again, Jesus instructs Peter to care for His people.

But then, Jesus asks Peter a third time, “Do you love me?” Let’s assume it was with a different tone, speed or intensity.

Frustrated, Peter responds, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I love you.”

You can feel the tension in Peter’s reply. Perhaps he was remembering his failure. Perhaps he longed for Jesus to look beyond his mistakes and see the love that still lived in his heart.

John 21:15-19 illustrates this questioning. Many Bible scholars say it shows how Jesus restores Peter after Peter denied Jesus. Early in their ministry, Peter said he wouldn’t abandon Christ. (Matthew 26:33-35 and Mark 14:22-31) Yet he did. In this exchange, Jesus, risen from the grave, extends forgiveness and renews Peter’s assignment.

This conversation between Peter and Jesus makes me wonder how I would answer this question. I believe I would also say yes, but then I would begin evaluating my performance.

Do I love Him with all of myself? (Mark 12:30) Do I love by obeying His commandments? (John 14:15). Do I love Him so that I take up my cross and follow Him? (Matthew 16:24)

I believe I do. These are the principles I try to live by. I’m sure Peter felt the same way.

Still sometimes, I fail, just like Peter did. At those times, I am grateful for God’s grace and mercy which He gives every day. I am grateful that He leads me to repentance, restores me, and calls me forward again.

Sometimes we struggle with whether we love God because we judge His love based on how we love. The truth is we will never love the way He does. Yet through Jesus, we are invited into a relationship that is continually growing as long as we live.

You may love the Lord but have fallen. Go to Jesus. Repent. And seek His restoration.

Don’t stop loving Him because you think you failed Him.

Reflection: Close your eyes and ask, “Do I love Jesus?” If the question is hard to answer, then pray the prayer below.

Prayer: As I grow in my love for you, help me to remember your patience with me. Help me to remember your grace and mercy. And with each day, may I grow more in love with you, Dear Lord and Lover of my Soul. By the grace of Jesus, I pray. Amen.