John 21:15-17

21:15 Then when they broke fast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My lambs.
21:16 He said to him the second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You. He said to him, Feed My sheep.
21:17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him a third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know all things, You know that I love You. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.

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Here we have Jesus asking Peter three times if Peter loved Him.

First, let’s set up this scene.

Peter and some other disciples had been out fishing, with no luck. Jesus comes along and tells them to put their net in one more time. This time, the catch is so great that it nearly capsizes the boat! It is then that John realizes that it is Jesus on the shore and tells the others. Peter jumps out of the boat and swims to shore while the rest bring the boat and the fish in.

When they get to shore, there is already a fire going and a fish roasting, and bread ready (John 21:9). This one passage shows that Jesus is always ready to supply our needs. After the disciples brought forth the fish that “they” caught (through the providence of Jesus), they all had breakfast around the fire. This is where Jesus asks Peter these three questions.

I remember the first time I read this passage. I kept thinking “What? Are these guys deaf? They have to go over the same thing three times?” But there is imagery and meanings and definitions that go far deeper than simply the same question stated three times.

Peter denied Jesus three times. This question is asked of Peter three times.

Where was Peter when he denied Jesus? He was standing next to a fire to keep warm (Luke 22:56, 60-62). Yet, here he is now standing (or sitting) next to a fire, in the presence of the Lord, affirming his love for Jesus three times.

But perhaps one of the more interesting items is something that does not come through well in the English translations. It is the use of the word “love”. You see, there are several different words in the Greek for love, but there are two of them specifically used here in this passage.
When Jesus asks Peter the first time “Do you love me more than these?”, He is using the word “agape”. Agape love is more of an “intellectual” type of love. It is considered, chosen, and thought out. It can sometimes be referred to as the “nobler” type of love, and also as the “colder” type of love. Agape love is a conscious choice that a person makes regardless of how the other person feels. Jesus is also asking Peter if he loves Him more than the other disciples love Jesus, not if Peter loves Jesus more than he loves the other disciples. A subtle, but important distinction.

Peter replies with “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Here, though, Peter uses the word “phileo” for love. This is more of a “heart” love, with personal attachment, sentiment and feelings. Peter also does not say that he loves Jesus more than the others love Jesus. Perhaps he is thinking back to his boastful statement made during their last Passover meal (Mark 14:29-30).

Then Jesus asks again “Do you love Me?”. This time, Jesus has dropped the “more than the others” part, but still uses the word “agape”. Peter responds identically to this question as to the first.

Then Jesus asks the third time “Do you love Me?” But this time, Jesus uses the word “phileo”. It is almost like Jesus is saying do you really love me like you say you do? Almost as if Jesus doesn’t believe him. Here Peter is hurt deeply. The word used for grieved is “lupeo”. It means to be distressed, sad, full of heaviness or sorrow. Peter does not immediately say “yes, I love You.” He first says “Lord, You know all things,” then says “You know that I love You.” Peter is declaring that Jesus knows his heart. This would, in fact, be an invitation for Jesus to search Peter’s heart to determine if he loves Jesus.

Jesus does know Peters heart, and He can see that Peter does, in fact, love Him.

It was over a fire that Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter ran from that fire hurt, bitter, and full of doubt and fear.

It was over a fire that Peter declared his love for Jesus three times. Peter followed Jesus from that fire (verse 19) healed and restored.

Which fire are you standing over?

If Jesus were to stand before you and look you in the eyes and ask you “Do you love me?” what would you say?

Jesus knows your heart, too. Would you ask Him to search it, knowing full well that nothing can be hidden from Him?

Matthew 15:7-9

Mat 15:7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 "This people draws near to Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

The scribes and pharisees had come to Jesus and asked why His disciples did not follow the guidelines that had been laid down by previous rabbis and jewish scholars.

Jesus replies with these verses. He tells these people that they are hypocrites. Isaiah foretold of this (Isa 29:13). The people speak of God and honor Him with their words, but their hearts are not in it. They don't really believe it when they worship and honor God. When they talk about God, they don't really believe it. God (Jesus) is not in their hearts.

This makes me think of John 15:4-6
Joh 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
Joh 15:5 I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Joh 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

In verse 9, Jesus tells them that they worship God in vain. Why is their worship in vain? Because they have put their own rules and beliefs before those of God. The doctrines (beliefs) that they teach (and practice) are their own. Not only are they not found in the bible, but often times would run counter to the spirit of the written word of God.

At the time, the bible consisted solely of the old testament, but we can apply these verses to our lives today. As such, we would also have to apply the new testament to our lives.

Are we putting our own beliefs and wishes before the word of God? Do we say that because "my God is a loving God, so He won't get mad", or "God will forgive me if I do this, so it must be OK." If so, it is a dangerous place to be.

People often times put too much faith in simply saying "Jesus is my saviour" without knowing exactly why Jesus is their saviour, or what Jesus (or the old testament) taught. The only way to know the will of God is to have read His bible.

Do you know your doctrines (beliefs)? Do they agree with the bible? Have you checked to see if they agree with the bible? If not, you should. If you have, and the bible does not agree with what you believe in, what are you going to do about it?

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FP adds the following commentary:

I have found in every denomination certain practices and doctrines, dogma, that have some basis in scripture but usually are developed by church leaders for some particular agenda or purpose.

No communion; closed communion; no bulletin; no Lord's prayer; no alcohol; infant baptism, water [immersion] baptism; sprinkling baptism; confirmation; no confirmation; no repentance; scripted prayers; vain repetition; idolatry; indulgences; selling artifacts; co-redeemers; worshipping big name Christians; non-biblical sermons; book studies rather than bible studies; Sunday only religiosity; born-again speaking in tongues as only ones saved; too much tongues; craziness in worship; stifled worship...

Pharisees reborn to some extent in every kind of church.

Tithing lectures; big church buildings.......Holier than thou attitudes......Hell and No Hell.....Dress Codes and come as you are........ offering plates and bozo buckets.........Grape Juice and Mogen David...........Church Leaders and Church Peons........Den of thieves or????................Real worship or pretense??.....

Where is the discernment??

No wonder believers that love the Lord Jesus are church shopping.

Enforced Unity Message- do not disagree with our tenets or you are guilty of being a heretic….Phony TV faith guys selling you cloths, water, etc, from wherever….Touch the TV screen as a point of contact……….Screaming TV preachers…..Preachers claiming they do not sin anymore…..Church leaders covering up for underlings that abuse kids….Preachers that tell you to have faith for your finances but do not have the faith to pray themselves for God to supply rather that beg and cry for viewers to supply. Oh, ye of little faith…

How can the believer trust when the Leaders do not trust themselves??

Church guys selling vitamins………Using the church as a sales platform for personal businesses…….Sermons where Jesus is not even mentioned, even once………..

No wonder the unsaved avoid us like the plague. Scary aint it!!

I have seen just about everything, brother!!

Did I leave out any general practices of men??

How was that for a good all-purpose venting??

Psalm 101

Psa 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment; to You, O Jehovah, I will sing praise.
Psa 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Psa 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before my eyes. I have hated the work of those who turn aside; it shall not hold on to me.
Psa 101:4 A perverse heart will depart from me; I will not know the wicked.
Psa 101:5 Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, I will cut him off; him who has a high look and a proud heart, I will not allow.
Psa 101:6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, so that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve Me.
Psa 101:7 He who works falsely shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not stay in my sight.
Psa 101:8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land, so that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of Jehovah.


How better to praise God than to behave in a way that would be pleasing to Him?

101:3 I will set no wicked thing before my eyes.
101:4 I will not know the wicked.
101:6 My eyes shall be on the faithful.
101:7 He who tells lies shall not stay in my sight.

These verses makes me think of Philipians 4:8
Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.

101:2 We are to behave ourselves “wisely” and “perfectly”. This means with prudence, wisdom, sincerity and integrity. To do the best we can.

Those who have “turn[ed] aside” in verse 3 means to be derelict, specifically in terms of idolatry. We are to hate idolatry and not allow it to hold on to us. The “perverse heart” is one that is distorted or false.

We are not to associate with one who “secretly slanders” his neighbor. That is gossip. A “high look” and “proud heart” refer to those who are arrogant and feel self important. We should not allow ourselves to get involved with this type of person. Our eyes should be on the “faithful” person – steadfast, faithful, sure, and dependable. These are the people we should associate with.

Note that there are two “wicked”s in verse 8. It is interesting to note that the first “wicked” actually means a condemned or ungodly person. The second “wicked” means evil, false, or unrighteous, with an emphasis on idolatry.

Associate with the good.

Stay away from the bad.

Focus on what is right and Godly.

Avoid idolatry.

What better way is there to worship the one true God?

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FP adds the following commentary:

A proud heart sometimes tries to solve everything on its own without the help of the Lord. Pride in workmanship is fine. A false and haughty pride that says "I do not need you God" is what can get a man in trouble.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is.....death.

The secular world sees the Christian as a fool. The Christian becomes mocked and hated. This is what Jesus told us would happen if we followed Him. It is hard to lose Self and become a Servant. Jesus said that the greatest in the Kindgom is the Servant of All. Kind of Like Mother Theresa as an example.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength.

Psalm 100

Psa 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise to Jehovah, all you lands.
Psa 100:2 Worship Jehovah with gladness; come before His presence with singing.
Psa 100:3 Know that Jehovah, He is God. He has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Psa 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psa 100:5 For Jehovah is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.



This psalm is short and sweet and to the point.

With gladness and signing, the whole world is to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

We are to know that He made us, and we did not make ourselves. The world seems to be forgetting this important fact. We need to make sure that we remember it always.

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Jesus is our great shepherd, and His people know His voice (John 10:3) and come to Him when He calls.

God is good. His mercy is everlasting. “mercy” here is from the Hebrew “chesed” which means kindness, mercy, pity, love, all rolled up into one. Ultimately reflected in God’s mercy towards us. His “chesed” is everlasting – it stretches out forever – it will endure to all generations.

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FP adds the following commentary:

The amazing truth of Christ and the Good News of His Gospel has survived 2000 years.

Jesus said: Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free!!

Free at last.....

Whomever is set free by Jesus, is free indeed.

Psalm 99

Psa 99:1 Jehovah reigns; let the peoples tremble. He sits between the cherubs; let the earth quake.
Psa 99:2 Jehovah is great in Zion; and He is high above all the peoples.
Psa 99:3 Let them praise Your great and fearful name; it is holy.
Psa 99:4 The king's strength also loved judgment; You established uprightness; You worked judgment and righteousness in Jacob.
Psa 99:5 Praise Jehovah our God, and worship at His footstool; He is holy.
Psa 99:6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel among those who called on His name; they called on Jehovah, and He answered them.
Psa 99:7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance that He gave them.
Psa 99:8 You answered them, O Jehovah our God; You were a God who forgave them, though You take vengeance for their deeds.
Psa 99:9 Praise Jehovah our God, and worship at His holy hill; for Jehovah our God is holy.


99:3, 99:5, 99:9 all end with “holy”

Holy… Holy… Holy…

It is declared three times in this psalm that God is holy. To be holy is to be set apart from sin. To be sacred. Our God is separated from sin and above all of our iniquities. Our God is perfect – He is holy.

He are to tremble (stand in awe). He has a fearful name. It is fear in a reverential way. We are to praise Him with fear and awe and reverence.

99:5 says to worship at His footstool. This could mean the tabernacle (2 Chron 28:2) or it could mean to worship at His feet. The tabernacle was the temple of God at the time (remember, this was before Solomon’s temple). We, individually, are the temple of God (1 Cor 6:19-20), and we should worship God at the foot of the cross.

Moses and Aaron were among His priests. As believers in Christ, we are now among the priestly order (Rev 1:5-6) and have direct access to God, with Christ as our high priest (Heb 4:15-16). We should come to God boldly and without fear (Heb 4:17) to worship Him.

God wants us to come to Him, and worship Him. Our sins our covered by the blood of Christ, but God does not just “give us a pass” when we do sin. 99:8 shows that God forgives us, but He does take vengeance for our deeds. “Deeds” here indicates performances or actions in a negative way – ie: doing something wrong – “sinning”. Even though sin is covered by the blood, there can be, and often are, earthly consequences to sin.

99:9 says to praise God at “His holy hill”. At His mountain – the spot designated as Holy by God. There is no single designation anymore as Christ’s sacrifice removed the curtain from the temple. Wherever you are is holy ground as far as God is concerned. You are a moving temple to Him. Treat yourself as such.

This psalm is divided into three parts, each of them ending in “holy”.

We serve and worship a triune God.

Father… Son… Holy Spirit…

Holy… Holy… Holy…

Praise God!

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FP adds the following commentary:

God is many things to us. Above all, perhaps, is his Holiness.

Jesus taught us: " Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name:

Hallowed is holy, sanctified, worthy of honor and praise.......

Happy is the land where the very name of God is believed to be hallowed.....

As America drifts from this, we begin to reap bitter fruit, do we not?

Holy is the Lord!! Worship the Lord in His Holiness.