3 Calls to Service … What’s Your Calling?

Jesus was alive! By now, He had appeared to the disciples twice. Now, they walked to Galilee to meet Jesus for the third time. There they were … waiting.

“I’m going fishing,” Peter said. Five other disciples went with him. They fished all night and caught nothing.

Early in the morning, they heard, “Children, do you have any fish?”

“No.”

“Cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

Their net was so full, that they couldn’t pull it in. John told Peter, “It’s the Lord.” Peter plunged into the water and swam to shore.

Fish on the fire and bread. Jesus provided again. The disciples added some of their catch.

Breakfast on the beach with Jesus. 

3 Calls to Service 

1. 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.” John 21:15

Peter may have winced when Jesus called him “Simon, son of John.” Perhaps he remembered when Jesus gave him the name, Peter.

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

Then, he remembered denying Jesus three times.

“Simon, son of John, do you agapaō Me? Do you love Me with a divine love that is supreme, perfect, giving, sacrificial, and fervent?”

With a deep breath, Simon said, “Yes, Lord; you know that I phileo you.” Phileo is a fondness or brotherly love. Jesus accepted Peter’s love and instructed him to feed His lambs, the young followers of Jesus.

The disciples caught the fish, and Jesus had promised them early on in their walk with Him that they would become fishers of men. Now, that they are caught, they need to be fed with the everlasting Bread of Life.

2. He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you agapaō me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I phileo you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” John 21:16

Not only do the lambs and sheep need to be fed, but they need to be guided along their walk with Jesus.

And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15

3. He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you phileo me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you phileo me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I phileo you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17

Imagine Simon looking down and Jesus squatting to Peter’s level as He intently looked into Peter’s eyes, “Are you fond of Me?” Peter looks away, “You know I’m fond of You.”

Jesus accepts Peter’s affection and calls him to feed His followers.

Jesus took Simon’s affection, filled him with the Holy Spirit, and restored him to be more. At Pentencost, this man proclaimed the Gospel, and 3,000 accepted Jesus.

Our love is imperfect. Our talents are few. Our service is weak.

But God.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to accomplish mighty things for the Kingdom of God.

My prayer

Jesus, You are merciful and loving. Thank You for restoring Peter and for restoring us. You take what we have and work mighty things for Your kingdom. We offer our brokenness to You. Work in us. Magnify Your power in us. We phileo You. Increase our phileo to agapaō. Show us what You have prepared for us to do, and empower us to accomplish it. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus calls you to complete the works that He has prepared uniquely for you to accomplish.

Bring what you have, and Jesus will multiply it.

What has God called you to do?

Please share your calling in the Comments Section.