There are questions that pierce the soul deeper than a sword. They are not asked to obtain information, but to expose the true condition of the heart. One of such divine questions came from the lips of the resurrected Christ to His disciple, Simon Peter — “Lovest thou me more than these?”
This was not an ordinary question. It was a sincere assessment of devotion, a test of commitment, and a measure of consecration. Jesus was not asking Peter to prove His ability to preach, to perform miracles, or to lead others. He was asking the fundamental question of all Christian service — “Do you love Me above all else?”
A QUESTION AFTER FAILURE
Peter had walked with Jesus for years. He had listened to His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and even declared boldly, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Yet, when the heat of persecution arose, Peter denied the Master three times. And even after the resurrection, instead of waiting on divine instruction, Peter returned to his old profession — “I go a fishing.”
That single decision spoke volumes. It revealed the subtle power of distraction — that the cares of this life can tempt even the most devoted hearts to drift. After years of ministry, prayer, and miracles, Peter’s conviction was tested by comfort, familiarity, and discouragement.
So Jesus came with a question — not of condemnation, but of restoration. A question that penetrated through layers of guilt, failure, and fatigue:
“Simon, lovest thou me more than these?”
THESE — WHAT ARE THEY?
“These” could mean many things — the fishing nets, the boat, the friends, the business, the success, or even the old life Peter once knew. Whatever “these” represented, Jesus was essentially asking:
“Do you love Me more than your comfort, your achievements, your ambitions, your possessions, and your own will?”
The same question echoes through time and reaches us today.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU
Once, you were on fire for the Lord. You loved His presence, sang with tears, prayed with passion, and served with joy. You influenced others to love Jesus, to evangelize, to live holy, and to walk in faith. But where are you now?
The zeal is gone. The altar is cold. The joy of salvation seems distant. The same lips that once sang “I surrender all” now say “I’m too busy.” The same heart that once burned with passion for the lost now burns for worldly pursuits.
Jesus is still asking, “Lovest thou Me more than these?”
More than your job?
More than your phone?
More than your comfort and friends?
More than the pleasures and treasures of this world?
A CALL BACK TO LOVE
True love for Christ is not measured by words, but by sacrifice. It is proven when we choose Him above everything else. Peter wept when he heard that question, and from that day forward, he never looked back. He became a pillar of the early church — a man transformed by love and consecration.
The same grace that restored Peter is reaching out to you today. Jesus is not angry with you; He is calling you back. He does not condemn you for your fall, but He invites you to rise again, rekindle your fire, and follow Him wholeheartedly.
A FINAL WORD
Everything this world offers — fame, pleasure, wealth, and comfort — is temporary, transient, and fleeting. But the love of Christ endures forever.
So the question remains — one that no one else can answer for you:
Do you truly love Jesus more than these?
Do you love Him enough to leave behind whatever has taken His place in your heart?
Do you love Him enough to return to your first love and walk again in consecration?
Hear His voice whisper once more — tender, piercing, and patient:
“Lovest thou Me more than these?”
Now is the time to answer with repentance, with tears, and with action —
“Yes, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee.”
And if that love is true, then follow Him — fully, faithfully, and forever.