Daily Devotional – Wednesday, April 25, 2026
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
John 21:16 (NKJV)
Today, my mind settled on the story of Jesus Christ and Peter the Apostle in the last chapter of the Gospel of John. One question stood out, simple but searching: “Do you love me?” It is a question that applies to every person who professes Christianity, and the answer to it is life-shaping.
The Measure of Love
Earlier, Peter had denied the Lord three times. Even though Jesus had predicted both the denial and his restoration, Peter had been confident in his loyalty. Yet after the resurrection, despite receiving a personal message from Jesus, he drifted back to what was familiar: his fishing career.
It is significant, then, that Jesus meets Peter at the lake and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” This was not only about restoring Peter after failure but also about preparing him for what lay ahead. Each response carried a responsibility: feed my sheep. Love was being tied directly to calling and action.
The Question That Remains
For us today, that same question speaks to loyalty and willingness to follow Christ. Jesus had already made this clear when He said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love comes first, but real love expresses itself through obedience, especially when it is inconvenient or unseen.
That question surfaces in everyday decisions. It is easy to say we love Jesus in the presence of others, but the real test is quieter and more personal. Do you love Him enough to obey when no one is watching? Is your obedience genuine, or is it something you perform for others to see?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to love you sincerely and obey you without pretence or pressure.
