Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Finite Love

Remember the word Peter used for love is phileo. It carries with it the meaning of mutual friendship based on interests, but can be alienated by an unworthy or ungrateful response. In other words, I love you as long as you do not hurt me.

It is no accident that Jesus chooses this time to tell Peter that he will indeed be hurt. "Truly I say to you, when you were young you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wished, but when you are old you will stretch out your hands and another shall dress you and bring you where you do not wish to go" (John 21:18).

John wanted to make sure we knew what Jesus meant so he adds, "This he said signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God" ( John 21:19).

Peter has openly admitted the weakness of his love but, Jesus knows what he will accomplish through Peter. It will not be based on Peter's finite ability to stand under pressure, but by God's grace working in and through Peter.