Midweek of Easter II

Jesus said to Peter in his third post-resurrection appearance, "Do you love me more than these?" It could mean, more than you love these, or, more likely, more than these other men do? Because he had recently boasted  that he had. His insistence had been, "Even if they all should abandon you, not I. I will die with you." But he failed most miserably, instead denying him three times. So of course he was grieved when Jesus asked him  the  third time if he loved him. Now he might have remembered ruefully his boast and failure. Yet Jesus also taught that whoever is forgiven more, the same will love him more, so indeed Peter learned to love him much, for he knew he was forgiven much, and here commissioned to go forth, his unworthiness notwithstanding, and feed Jesus' sheep. How much do you love Jesus? Beware of the temptation to boast. Instead, consider how badly you need him, and from there perhaps begin to know how much you love him. Sermon for Midweek of Easter II. The video is here.