Sermon ByThulane: The Divine Partnership: Agape Love in Action
Beloved, last week we delved into the depths of Agape love in comparison to Phileo. Today, let us journey further into the nature of Agape, focusing on the beautiful partnership between God and us, His beloved children. To guide our reflection, let us turn our hearts and minds to the book of John, chapter 21, verses 15-17.
Scripture Reading
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, 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.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.'” (John 21:15-17, ESV)
The Restoration of Peter
In this passage, we witness a divine exchange between Jesus and Peter. After Peter’s heartbreaking denial of Jesus, he is offered an opportunity for restoration. This interaction serves as an emblem of God’s unyielding grace. Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” He desires not just a verbal affirmation from Peter, but a profound commitment to His mission—“Feed my lambs; Tend my sheep.”
Jesus’ repetitive questioning indicates something more than mere inquiry; He is inviting Peter into a partnership anchored in love—a love that compels action. We notice that after his failure, Peter’s love for Jesus was reaffirmed three times, paralleling the three times he denied knowing Him. This is the heart of Agape love in action, characterized by our responses to God’s call, even after our shortcomings.
The Evidence of Partnership
Peter’s true partnership with God would later be richly expressed on the Day of Pentecost. He emerged with newfound boldness, proclaiming the message of Christ with power, leading to the salvation of about 3,000 souls as recorded in Acts 2:41. This transformation exemplifies how love ignites our purpose; when we partner with God through our love for Him, He empowers us to fulfill His mission.
Examples of Faithful Partnerships
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of those who partnered with God in His love for His people, displaying courage and commitment. Consider Stephen, who, despite facing fierce opposition, boldly preached and ultimately became the first Christian martyr. His love for Christ cost him his life, but through his faithfulness, the seeds of the Gospel were planted deeply.
Then there’s Saul, who became Paul. His conversion on the road to Damascus marked a transformational partnership with God, leading to a multitude of souls saved and disciples trained. He too understood that love for Christ means surrendering all for the sake of the Gospel.
Let’s not forget John the Revelator, exiled on the island of Patmos for proclaiming the Word of God. Despite persecution, his testimony and partnership with Jesus resulted in the powerful book of Revelation, offering hope to the Church.
Reflective Questions for Us
Now, beloved, I pose some vital questions for each of us to ponder:
– Do we love God more than these? More than our families, our careers, our ambitions?
– Are we willing to sacrifice our comforts for the sake of our love for Christ?
– What are we actively doing each day to win souls for the Kingdom of God? For we are called to tend and feed His sheep.
Finally
As we close, let us remember that partnership with God in love is not merely a personal affair; it’s a collective calling for both the young and the old. We need to be bold in preaching and teaching the Gospel openly and unapologetically. Let’s prioritize our love for God above all else, for in this partnership lies our true identity and purpose.
May we all declare, like Peter, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” And may our love compel us to take action, to feed and tend His sheep, bringing forth the love of Christ to a world so desperately in need. Amen.
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