1. Do You Love Me?
John 21:15-23

2. Introduction Common views Emphasis on the “threes”
Peter’s unwillingness to fully commit
Good question to consider

3. Introduction Two different Greek words Meant nothing at times
Same context suggests significance
What is the significance?

4. Usage of The Words First word: agapao
Means to seek another’s well being and interest, and involves active good will
Familiar passage (John 3:16)
Most frequently used word for love

5. Usage of The Words Second word: phileo
Means tender affection and the idea of cherishing
Feelings versus action
Used in compound words (Romans 12:10; 1 Timothy 6:10; Titus 3:4)

6. Usage of The Words Both used God’s love for Christ (John 3:35; 5:20)
God’s love for man (John 14:21; 16:27)
Christ’s love for His disciples (John 13:23; 20:2)

7. Usage of The Words
“The context itself indicates that agapao in the first two questions suggests the love that values and esteems. It is an unselfish love, ready to serve. The use of phileo in Peter’s answers and the Lord’s third question conveys the thought of cherishing the object above all else, of manifesting an affection characterized by constancy, from the highest veneration.” (W.E. Vine)

8. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Walked on water (Matthew 14:22-31)
Thought Jesus was a ghost
Peter asked to be able to walk to Him
Failed but at least he tried

9. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Bold assertion (John 6:66-69)
Crowds left after eating
Question to the apostles
Peter’s answer

10. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
His confession (Matthew 16:13-19)
Jesus’ question
Peter’s answer

11. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Attempt to protect Jesus (Matthew 16:21-23)
Announced His suffering and death
Peter’s rebuke
Satan’s use of others to discourage

12. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Peter’s commitment (John 13:3-11)
Final meal
Washed the disciples’ feet
Peter’s objection
Lord’s response
Peter’s final word

13. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Denial foretold (Mark 14:27-31)
Peter’s response: “I’ll die first”
Meant what he said (John 18:10, 11)
Lord prayed for him (Luke 22:31-34)

14. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Fight to save Jesus (John 18:10, 11)
Tried to keep them from taking Him
Jesus restored the servant’s ear

15. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Peter’s denials (Luke 22:54-62)
Lord turned and looked at Peter
Peter wept bitterly

16. Key to Understanding: Peter’s Life
Returned to fishing (John 21:1-22)
Jumped into the sea (v. 7)
Trying to get to the Lord first?

17. Significance of The Question
Peter’s attempt to convey his love
Involved active good will
More than that, he cherished the Lord
Given his “marching orders”
The proof: feeding the sheep
Demonstrated his love

18. Conclusion Do you love the Lord more than anyone or anything else?
Why not obey the Gospel?