“Jesus repeated the question: ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?'” (John 21:16 NLT)

After Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to his disciples many times. On his third appearance he asked Peter three times whether he loved him. Certainly this must be connected to Peter’s denying Jesus three times before his crucifixion. In this manner Jesus helped restore their relationship, giving Peter the opportunity to renew his pledge of love, even reminding him of his earlier promise that he was willing to die for Jesus. Our pledge to love Jesus even unto death is of no value without Jesus helping us to keep our relationship. When we make a commitment to Jesus, as Peter learned, he helps us to keep it. Jesus loves us and it is the power of his love that enables us to love him back. Coincidently, this OYB reading falls on June 2nd, my anniversary. On this day 35 years ago, Robin and I committed to love one another until death do us part. We have kept that promise so far and we give Jesus all the credit for empowering us to not only keep loving, but to love one another more and more deeply as the years roll on. Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Perhaps the most important question we will ever answer.