I have written this week with the Lord’s help about “Simon Peter’s Love For Jesus Christ!” The scripture text for this article comes from the book of John. This book is the fourth book of the gospels but is not a synoptic gospel. This book was written for the Apostolic church in general, in response to an appeal from the church for deeper truths of the gospels. The author of this book is John, the beloved disciple, and he is also called the son of thunder (Mark 3:17). He was part of Jesus’ inner circle (Peter, James, and John) (Matthew 10:2-4) and they were present with Christ in the times of great crises in his ministry (Matthew 26:36-38).
We want to focus our attention upon the leader of his apostles. His name was Simon Peter. He was the son of Jonas (John). He had a brother named Andrew. They were fishermen on the sea of Galilee. (Matthew 4:18). They were the first two disciples Jesus called to follow him. Andrew brought Simon to Jesus and when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (John1:40-42). Simon’s natural name means “hearing.” His new name given to him by Jesus was Peter, which in Greek form means a stone or small rock (Petros). The name Cephas is a Hebrew word which means = stone. The scripture text for this article is (John 21:15-17) which says = 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea Lord thou knowest that I Love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, loveth thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. In this passage of scripture, Jesus was trying to make sure that his disciples/apostles knew that he was risen from the dead, and that he was alive. This was the third time that he appeared to them. He wanted to know if Peter truly loved him. Previous to this time, he had chosen him to be the one who would open the doors of the Apostolic church. (Matthew 16:19) says = And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then when they arrested Jesus and took him away to crucify him, Peter followed afar off. Read: (Matthew 26:58) and in (Matthew 26:69-75) Peter denied him three times. We believe that is the reason Jesus asked him about his love for him and would he confirm that he would complete his assignment which Jesus had given him? If you truly love me, complete the things I have given you to do. “Feed My Sheep.”
Zion Temple First Pentecostal Church and to all the beloved children of God! Let us confirm our love to Jesus Christ and complete our work and finish what we have started. Thou Knowest That I Love Thee!
Reprint (2024)
Suffragan Bishop Charles L. Smith, D.D., Emeritus
