How Much Do You Love Jesus?

Title of Message: How much do you love Jesus?

In this message Pastor Vince talks about his trip to Israel and how the Lord spoke to him at the Sea of Galilee, at the same spot where Jesus asked Apostle Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?”

Verses used: John 21: 15-19

Key verse: John 21:17

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Sermon Notes:

Peter’s denial of Jesus was most notable for several reasons

1. He said he would never deny Jesus. Matt. 26:35. He was sincere but lacked resolve.

2. He resorted to violence in defending Jesus, depicting the human’s way of solving problems. John 18:10-11

3. He expected Jesus to resort to violence as well. Everyone did. Matt. 26:51-56

What did Jesus want to address with Peter?

1. Jesus wanted to correct Peter’s understanding of who the Messiah is and how He intends to conquer mankind.

Jesus will establish His kingdom, not by force but by love.

2. Jesus wants Peter to be clear about his motivations for following Jesus.

The only motivation acceptable to Jesus is love.

3. Jesus wants Peter to understand the extent of his love for Jesus.

4. Jesus points out to Peter what is most important to Him: Caring for His sheep.

What is the ultimate proof of our love for Jesus?

Sharing His love to others!

Some questions to consider this week:

1. Icebreaker question: Name one person that you love very much. How do you show/express your love for this person? Does that person feel your love?

Note: Gary Chapman wrote a book on the 5 love languages. He notes that people feel love best if it is expressed in the love language that they value. The five love languages he presented are:

a. Material gifts

b. Quality time

c. Words of affirmation

d. Acts of service (devotion)

e. Physical touch (intimacy)

2. How has God expressed His love for you? (Hint: count your blessings!) How have you expressed your love back to God?

3. What measure did Jesus use to point out how much Peter loved Him? v. 15 (Hint: What did Jesus mean by “more than these?”)

4. What do you think is Jesus’ love language? (Hint: what did he ask Peter to do 3 times?) vs, 15-17

5. A love relationship is supposed to be a growing relationship. This means with every expression of love, your bond deepens. Do you feel your bond with God grow through time? Why or why not?

6. The biggest offense we often commit toward our loved ones is taking them for granted. Because we know they love us, we tend to put them low on our priority list because we know they will understand. Are there times when you take God for granted? How?

7. The depth of our love for a person can oftentimes be measured by the amount of time spent with that person. How much time do you spend with God? Do you think it accurately reflects your love for Him? Why/why not?

8. What new ways can you express your love for Jesus after learning more about His love language?