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JOHN 21:15-17

"THE QUEST FOR LOVE"

Intro: The Bible says, "God is love", not "loves" or "loving". It is His very nature. Jesus
       who  was God incarnate had just demonstrated the extent of God's love, He now asks
       Peter,  "Do you love Me?"

I. MORE THAN THESE. WHAT ARE THE "THESE"?
        A. Peter had returned to the Galilee with some of the disciples.
                1. His "I'm going fishing?" could be announcing his end of discipleship.
                        a. Three years ago he was called from these nets to become a fisher of
                           men.
                        b. It had been an exciting three years to be sure. Like a dream.
                        c. Time has come to return to reality.
                2. "They caught nothing."
                        a. Their bodies weary.
                                1. Not in shape for this type of work.
                                2. Cast out and pulled in empty nets all night long.
                        b. In the morning, Jesus was standing on the shore. Too early to
                           recognize Him.
                                1. "Catch anything?"  Typical question to ask a fisherman.
                                2. "Cast your net on the other side."
                3. Simon drew in the net with 153 large fish.
                        a. This is the epitome of success in a chosen field.
                        b. The "these" could have been those large fish, thus, your
                           livelihood. Your chosen profession.
        B. Bed of coals with fish on the coals.
                1. The last time Peter had stood by a fire made by a bed of coals was when he
                   denied his Lord.
                        a. That bed of coals could have brought back some bitter memories.
                        b. The "these" could refer to the other disciples there.
                                1. Peter had said, "Though they may all deny you, I will never
                                   deny you."
                        c. It could be that Jesus asked three times, "Do you love Me" to give
                           Peter an opportunity avow his love three times.

II. "DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN THESE?"
        A. The Greek language has more than one word for love.
                1. Eros - love on the physical level.
                2. Phileo - "am fond of."
                3. Agape love on highest level supremely.
        B. What Jesus first asked was, "Do you love Me supremely?" (agapas)
                1. What Peter answered was, "I am fond of you."
                2. Again Jesus asked, "Do you love Me supremely", again the answer, "I am fond
                   of you."
                3. The third time Jesus asked, "Are you fond of Me?"
                        Peter was hurt that Jesus said, "Are you fond of Me."
                        a. He was sorry the Lord came down to his level.
                        b. He would love to have arisen to His level.
                        c. Under the circumstances he couldn't.
                                1. Jesus had said, "Whoever has My commandments and keeps 
                                   them, he it is who loveth Me".
                                2. Too often before Peter had been rebuked for his rash,
                                   impulsive statements.
                                3. If he loved the Lord supremely, he would not have been out
                                   fishing.

III. "FEED MY LAMBS"; "TEND MY SHEEP"; "FEED MY SHEEP."