Bryan Holmes, ’Lost in Translation’, John 21:1-19
Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish
It is not easy to translate the Gaelic language to the English language. There are a lot of words lost in translation. In this parable one of the lessons we learn is the difference between ‘friendship love’ and ‘agape love’.
Jesus said, Peter, do you love me? Peter replied, yes Lord, you know I love you. Jesus answered, “Feed my sheep.” This conversation went back and forth for three times. Peter tried to understand what Jesus was getting at. Jesus was offering Peter his agape love, his fully devoted and unconditional love, love focused on the good of the other. Peter could not offer agape love only friendship love. Jesus accepts that as enough. This is the grace of God.
How do you learn to love the agape way? How do you build this relationship with Jesus?
- setting your desire and focus on wanting the relationship
- mentally place yourself in His presence
- take the time and initiative to follow Him
- thank Him, invite Him, talk to Him, listen to Him
- make contact with Him throughout the day
Peter denied Jesus three times expressing friendship love only… not agape love. God’s power is waiting for you. Jesus knows your love for Him will grow. He accepts your friendship love but wants more. He wants your agape love. The Holy Spirit will help you.
Take one more step daily to become better Christians. Take care of the church and your neighbors. Reach out to the community. You are His disciple. Continually build your relationship with Jesus from a friendship love to an agape love.
Do you truly and unconditionally love Jesus? Is your love a friendship love or an agape love? Is your love for Jesus lost in translation of the word love?
GIVE JESUS YOUR ALL… YOUR AGAPE LOVE!