Hard questions make us squirm. They are the type of questions which are not usually difficult to answer in the sense of being complex, rather, they make us uncomfortable in a moral way. They are the questions we would prefer to ignore because if we answer honestly, we’re going to have to admit to some kind of failure to do the right thing.
A few weeks after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus had breakfast with his disciples on a beach on the Sea of Galilee. After they had finished eating, Jesus took aside one of his more influential followers, Peter. For most of Jesus’ ministry, Peter had been considered if not the leader of the 12 apostles, one of those who were closest to Jesus. But when his loyalty to Jesus had been tested, Peter failed miserably. In fact, he denied even knowing Jesus three times within the space of a few hours.
The conversation Jesus had with Peter consisted of one hard question: “Do you love me more than anyone or anything else in this world?” It was a question of commitment. It was a question meant to confront Peter with who was #1 in his life. Considering recent events, that was the hardest question for Peter to answer. It forced him to face his own moral helplessness and depend completely on the mercy and grace of Jesus.
“Who do you love most?” It’s a question Jesus asks us all. As the one true God who came in human form to execute the Rescue Mission for all of eternity, he has the right to ask us that question. He comes to us not as a genie, or a guru, or a guide, or even a good buddy – he comes to us as Savior and Lord.
“Who do you love most?” Let the resurrection of Jesus Christ be the basis of your answer.
Sunday Morning Worship – 10:00 am