247. Are you a friend of Jesus?

Scripture:  John 21:15–19

It was after the Lord's Resurrection and after Peter’s denials that he knew Jesus that Our Lord decided to ask him three times if he loved Him. Jesus asked Simon Peter:  ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ When he answered that he did, Jesus told him to "feed My lambs." Jesus asked him a second time the same question and at his positive answer, He told him to "feed My sheep." Then He asked him a third time if he loved Me. Peter was distressed because he remembered that he had denied Jesus three times. However, he answered that he loved Me and was told again to "feed My sheep." In these words Peter was completely forgiven of his sins and at the same time Jesus made him head of His Church.

Jesus asks us: "'Do you love Me more than anyone or anything in the world?' If you have placed someone or something ahead of Me, this means that I have taken second place in your life. If this is so, then your love for Me is insufficient and I cannot have a relationship with you. If you are a true friend, you will put Me first in your life and you will enthrone Me in your heart. In this way a deep and loving relationship will exist between us and you will advance with Me as we climb the mountain. Do not look back to your old days but look forward to a life of deep friendship with Me that will last forever. With My strength you will overcome every obstacle and reach one day the Promised Land. I bless you all.”        (For quoted text see: April 10 Message )

This is the problem with so many people... they place their own interests before Jesus. Their drug habit comes before Jesus, with disastrous results. Their gambling or drinking (alcoholism) places Jesus second place. People who place Jesus second will never find peace of mind. But true friends of Jesus will always place Jesus first in everything they do.

Are you a friend of Jesus?

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
April 10, 2007

Return to Index