Congregational Remembrancer John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes… I. ITS NATURE. It must be — 1. Sincere, in opposition to that which is hypocritical, like Joab's or Judas's. In many instances, where love to Christ is not feigned it may be only professional. There may be a respect for the religion of Christ where there is no love to its Divine Author. 2. Habitual, in opposition to occasional. 3. Supreme, in opposition to subordinate, and which may be lawfully exercised to the creature. Jesus is to be loved without a rival. "He that loveth father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me" (1 Corinthians 16:22). II. THE CLAIMS WHICH CHRIST HAS UPON IT. Consider — 1. The infinite dignity of His Person. He is the "chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely." 2. The work He has accomplished, and the sufferings He has endured, on the behalf of sinners. 3. The excellency and importance of the blessings which He has purchased for us. 4. The manner in which the Saviour employs His recovered life. He now pleads for those for whom He once suffered. In answer to His prevailing intercession, spiritual life is communicated unto and maintained in the souls of men. III. HOW THIS LOVE SHOULD BE EXHIBITED. Show your love to Christ — 1. By an entire surrender of yourselves, and all you have, into His hands. 2. By a public profession of His name and devout attendance on His ordinances. 3. By fervent and practical love to His people (1 John 2:14-19). 4. By a patient endurance of opposition for His sake (1 Peter 2:19, 20). 5. By unwearied endeavours to advance His cause. (Congregational Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. |
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