All love is a gift from God; whether it is phileo, or brotherly love, eros, sexual love, or agape love. Agape love is a special gift from God. It is love as God loves without condition. It is the most mysterious and rarest of love. After Peter had betrayed his Lord, he learned that it is truly something special.
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (phileo)you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love (phileo) me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love (phileo)you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (phileo)you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love (phileo) me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love (phileo)you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
The details of this exchange are greatly debated; but one thing seems clear. By his betrayal Peter had shown he did not have that unconditional, self-sacrificing agape love for His Master that he had previously believed he had. It would come with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He would agape Jesus in a life dedicated completely to Him to the point of being crucified up side down. He would receive that gift of Agape and it would come with a great price.
“Peter loved Jesus in the way in which any natural man loves a good man. That is temperamental love; it may go deep into the individuality, but it does not touch the centre of the person. True love never professes anything. Jesus said – “Whosoever shall confess Me before men,” i.e., confess his love not merely by his words, but by everything he does.
One of the many precious aspects of this exchange is how Jesus “lowers the bar” for Peter. When Peter can not honestly proclaim “agape” love for Christ, Jesus gives Him a chance to proclaim what he does then possess. Jesus always meets us and loves us where we are. He gifts us with whatever it takes to move us higher and deeper. Our response may increase his satisfaction in us; but never His love for us. That love is always maxed out.
Pray for Agape and be prepared for the wonder and the pain that comes with loving like Jesus loves.
Be blessed.
Nick
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