The Question That Heals: Do You Love Me?

Jesus Unveiled: The Question That Heals

John 21:17 "He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"

The fire that restored

We’ve all had moments we wish we could undo. Moments where our actions didn’t match our faith. Peter had one of those moments beside a charcoal fire. He had denied knowing Jesus not once but three times. Now, standing before another charcoal fire, Jesus doesn’t bring a lecture. He brings breakfast. He doesn’t hurl accusations. He asks one question that cuts straight to the heart: “Do you love Me?”

He makes the first move

John 21:9 says, “When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.”

Peter had gone back to fishing. Back to what was familiar. But Jesus went after him. The fire was already burning. The meal was already prepared. Before Peter could say a word, Jesus had made the first move. That’s what grace does. It shows up. It sets the table. It makes a way back.

Healing starts with honesty

Jesus didn’t ask Peter to explain himself. He asked him to love. “Do you love Me?” Three times Jesus asked. Not to shame Peter, but to restore him. Peter had denied Him three times. Now Jesus gives him three chances to reaffirm his love. That’s the mercy of God, it doesn’t just forgive, it restores.

The calling hasn’t changed

Even after the failure, Jesus still says, “Feed my sheep.” The calling wasn’t revoked. The voice that called Peter from the boat years before is calling again. Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Your failure doesn’t cancel your calling. His voice still speaks. His invitation still stands.

A call to respond

John 21:6 says, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

If you’ve been trying to find your way back, this is your moment. The fire is still burning. The invitation is still open. Jesus is still asking, “Do you love Me?” He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for surrender. He’s calling you to cast your net on the other side.

📍 Join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM at First Assembly of God – Mount Pleasant, or watch the full message below.

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