In the Bible, there’s a powerful moment when Jesus asks Simon Peter the same question three times:
“Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17 NLT).At first glance, it seems like a simple exchange. Yet, when we look closer, the repetition of this question holds deeper meaning.
Here’s the passage:
“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,”
Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time.
He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17 NLT
The question that rises here is: Why did Jesus repeat this question three times? Was it for Peter’s sake, to reinforce his commitment, or for us, the readers, to truly grasp the weight of love?
The Power of Repetition
Repetition has a way of breaking through our surface-level understanding and helping us dive deeper into the heart of a message. We may have all heard the scripture: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” But how often do we pause and really think about what it takes to live this out daily?
Jesus wasn’t just asking Peter if he loved Him in a general sense. He was calling Peter to live out that love in action—feeding His lambs and caring for His sheep. It was a command to love through service, to demonstrate love by caring for others.
Loving People Like Jesus
When I read this scripture last week, I found myself reflecting on my own character. I’ve always known that love is important, but how can I love people better? In a world where unkindness and division can sometimes feel overwhelming, what does it mean to love others the way Jesus loved?
Just as Jesus repeated His question to Peter, we’ve heard the message of love again and again, whether it’s through biblical teachings or the echoes of love in our own lives. But hearing is one thing—living it is another.
To truly love others, I believe it begins with seeing them. So many people feel unseen and unheard. A quote I love says:
“Being unheard is not the absence of a voice, but the absence of someone willing to listen.”
Love in Action
We live in a fast-paced world, where the habit of listening and engaging deeply with others can easily get lost. But maybe love is simpler than we think. To love people like Jesus, perhaps it starts with a willingness to pause, to see someone, to truly listen.
That’s my challenge for myself—and for you—this week. Let’s commit to seeing someone, listening to them, and showing them they matter. In doing so, we can reflect a deeper, more genuine love.
Challenge: Who can you listen to and care for this week?
Last Blog: Did Someone Say Challenge
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