Do You Love Me?

John 21:15-17

Introduction

1. Peter denied Christ 3 times

2. Now Jesus asks Peter if he loves him – 3 times

3. Jesus is trying to reassure Peter that his denial is forgiven

4. But – there is more to this than what meets the eye

English word – Love

1. Today we have lost the real meaning of “love”

2. We love clothes, movies, houses, cars, music, TV shows, ice cream, pizza and Dr. Pepper

3. We also love people, family, friends, spouse, children, elders, church, God, Jesus

The Greek language had 4 words (3 used in the NT)

1. Agape

   1. To love dearly, to regard the welfare of, to seek what is best for another

   2. John 3:16 God loved the world

   3. John 13: Greater love has no man than this

   4. Husbands love your wives, love your children

2. Phileo

   1. To be fond of, to be friends with, to have a preference for, to take pleasure in

   2. This word is closer to our word – friendship

3. Storge

   1. Natural, family, love for next of kin

   2. Love for grandparents, aunt or uncle

   3. Love because of blood relationship

4. Eros

   1. Animal passion, sexual love

   2. This word is not used in the NT

Background of the text

1. Apostles fishing – all night – caught nothing

2. Put net on other side of the boat

3. 153 fish fill the net

4. Jesus is already cooking breakfast on the shore

Breakfast is over

1. John 21:15-17

2. Notice the subtle difference in the message

3. 1st - Do you love me? - Agape - Peter responds - I love you - Phileo

4. 2nd - Do you love me? - Agape - Peter responds - I love you - Phileo

5. 3rd - Do you love me? - Phileo - Peter responds - I love you - Phileo

Some help from - http://williamdicks.blogspot.com/2007/02/agape-and-phileo-that-much-different.html