How Will YOU Answer?

~~~ Acts 25:13b-21 ~~~Psalm 103 ~~~ John 21:15-19 ~~~

Poor King Agrippa, even when he is on the road traveling he gets presented with the flimsy charges against Paul. Paul's accusers just wanted someone...anyone besides themselves to condemn Paul for his preaching about Jesus' Resurrection.

The King admits he is ill-prepared to rule on the charges made against Paul.

How many times do we find ourselves in situations where we are not prepared to make an important decision? And how many times do we seek counsel? How often do we jump to an incorrect decision?

I have heard that we should never make hasty decisions. The King was reluctant to give his decision because he knew the charges were not under his authority.

Jesus gives Peter three times to profess his love for him.

"Do you love me?"

Peter's three confident answers of 'Yes' are in stark contrast with

 his three denials of Jesus in the courtyard.

 I have no doubt that Jesus knew how much Peter loved him,

but he still wanted to hear Peter speak the words.

When you hear your own voice speaking it somehow makes the words more real.

You are using your sense of hearing when you speak aloud. When I was teaching reading in elementary school; oral reading was a vital part of my reading class.

When you speak out loud you are focusing your attention

on the words you are saying.

Peter did not once, during this conversation with Jesus, even hesitate with his response.

Peter already had his response in his heart.

It was only when Peter was paralyzed with fear for his own safety

did he waiver with his answer to knowing Jesus.

To Peter's credit he now answers with conviction each time Jesus asks,

 'Do you love me?'

Each answer is followed with an assignment from Jesus

to feed...to tend....to feed again.

Jesus says if indeed you love me as your words indicate then you will take care of those who are in need. You will watch and care for the others who also love me.

Finally Jesus speaks a prophecy to Peter

about his own death where someone else will dress him and

lead him where he does not want to go.

Jesus went to his death because

the Father sent him. He willingly submitted to being led

through the streets humiliated and scorned.

If Jesus stands before you today...

looks into your eyes

and asks the question...

"Do you love me?"

How will you answer?

Will you immediately answer, 'Yes'?

Will you hesitate?

Will you be anxious as to what Jesus might ask you to do?

Will you first need clarification?

Will you question in your heart, 'what will I be asked to do?'

Love is an action word; it requires the lover to do something.

What are you willing to do for Jesus because of your love for him?

How are your actions aligned with your profession of this Love for Jesus?

King Agrippa was not prepared to give an answer...Peter gave an answer that earlier he had not been able to speak aloud.