Confess “Jesus is Lord”

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “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.’ . . . Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’. . .” (John 21:15-16)
       Passage: Psalm 18:1-3

       Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” The first two times, He used the Greek word for love, agape. Agape is the highest kind of love. It is selfless, sacrificial, and serving. It is love that comes from the heart of the giver, regardless of the response or worthiness of the receiver. It is an active love of absolute commitment. When Peter answered, he did not use the word agape. He used the Greek word phileo. Phileo is a deep brotherly affection that one has for a dear friend. Peter affirmed that he loved Jesus, but since he had denied Jesus right after boasting that he would die for Jesus, he did not feel he could honestly claim his love rose to the level of agape.
      Jesus did not berate Peter for using the word phileo. It expresses deep love and affection. He also heard Peter begin his response each time by calling Jesus, “Lord”. The title, Lord, in ancient history, was only used in reference to God. When Peter called Jesus Lord, he was confessing that Jesus was fully God and was the Sovereign Ruler over the universe and his own life. The first way you answer ‘yes’ to the question ‘Do you love Jesus’ is to confess Him as Lord. Love Him with your confession.

 Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)