Do you love me?

Read these two passages from the Bible. :)

John 18:15-27(MSG)

15-16 Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That other disciple was known to the Chief Priest, and so he went in with Jesus to the Chief Priest’s courtyard. Peter had to stay outside. Then the other disciple went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and got Peter in.

17 The young woman who was the doorkeeper said to Peter, “Aren’t you one of this man’s disciples?”

He said, “No, I’m not.”

18 The servants and police had made a fire because of the cold and were huddled there warming themselves. Peter stood with them, trying to get warm.

19-21 Annas interrogated Jesus regarding his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered, “I’ve spoken openly in public. I’ve taught regularly in meeting places and the Temple, where the Jews all come together. Everything has been out in the open. I’ve said nothing in secret. So why are you treating me like a conspirator? Question those who have been listening to me. They know well what I have said. My teachings have all been aboveboard.”

22 When he said this, one of the policemen standing there slapped Jesus across the face, saying, “How dare you speak to the Chief Priest like that!”

23 Jesus replied, “If I’ve said something wrong, prove it. But if I’ve spoken the plain truth, why this slapping around?”

24 Then Annas sent him, still tied up, to the Chief Priest Caiaphas.

25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was back at the fire, still trying to get warm. The others there said to him, “Aren’t you one of his disciples?”

He denied it, “Not me.”

26 One of the Chief Priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?”

27 Again, Peter denied it. Just then a rooster crowed.

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John 21:15-19(MSG)

15 After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”

17-19 Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”

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I want you to take a moment and read these two pieces of scripture. I'm sure as Christians we've all heard these stories bunches of times. But let's look at them. The first passage in John 18, we see Jesus is being crucified and in order to save himself: Peter denies Jesus 3 times. You get that? Not once or even twice. THREE times. Wow. Well then we skip past the resurrection and now we're in John 21. Here we see Jesus asking Peter does he love Him? And then demands him to feed his flock. Now that chapter is another message in itself so stay on track with me. Jesus ask Peter does he love Him. How many times? Ahhhh. You see where I'm going. Three times. Jesus says Peter do you love me. Of course lord. Peter do you love me. Of course lord. And the third time Peter gets a little agitated as would we being asked repetitively the same question. He pretty much says God you know everything. You already know the answer to your question. And Jesus answer is the same. Now let's compare the two because I don't know if you're getting the comparison here. 

Peter denied Jesus, how many times? Three. 

Jesus asked Peter do you love me, how many times? Three. 

Hmmmmm. 

Now God, you know being God, could have chosen anyone for Jesus to go to about feeding his flock, but why did He choose Peter? Stay with me as we put the pieces together. 

This is a message on Grace. And Grace alone. 

I think this passage is significant for many reasons but the one for this message is based on forgiveness. Jesus had already known Peter was to deny him. He says so in John 13:38(MSG). He said before the rooster crows you will deny me three times. Hmm. And that happened. So if Jesus knew it and informed Peter of what was to come and get this *he still denied Jesus* then why in the world would Jesus forgive Peter? 

Jesus is an all loving, all sacrificing God. He loves you despite your sins. When God looks down on you, he doesn't see your sin: He sees His Son. "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus". Wow. 

John 21 is a passage that shows us God still cares for you no matter how many times you mess up. No matter how many times you sin, curse, slide off, or deny him. He still loves you and God still sent His Son to die for you. You are worth it. 

A very godly mentor in my life shared this with me. G. R. A. C. E. stands for God's Riches At Christ Expense. Does this not perfectly describe Grace?! Jesus Christ died and despite Peter denying Him 3xs God still kept Peter in His arms. 

My challenge for you today is to thank God today. He not only sent His Son to wash away your sins but **Every. Single. Day.** He forgives and forgives and get this forgives even more. 

Go with Peace today my Brothers and Sisters. Find that Joy in the fact that You Are Loved! 

Love you guys! Praying for you all! 

-Sav