Bridge Over Troubled Water (Do You Love Me?)
Love, when it’s real, heals what shame tried to kill.
This Week’s Study Guide
Scripture: John 21:15–19
(Linger in the repetition. Let it echo.)
15 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.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the 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. 18 Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Reflection:
Jesus restores Peter.
And that restoration comes through love.
This is a love that leads to care, to purpose, to people.
Questions for Reflection or Small Group:
- What does loving Jesus look like in your life right now?
- What is Jesus calling you to “feed”? Who needs your care?
- Where do you need to experience restoration?
Spiritual Practice for the Weekend:
Write a short letter or prayer to Jesus that simply says:
“Yes, I love you. And here’s how I’ll show it…”
Let your love move from words to action this weekend.