What Is Your Number One Priority?

What Is Your Number One Priority?
Pastor Terry Wilcox

John 21:15-17; 21-22

The restoration of Peter required heart surgery.

John 21:21 – “more than these?”
Friends, boats, fish, home? Perhaps, do you love me more than the others?
The context is chapters 18-21.

Matthew 26:33

The Triple By-Pass

1. John 21:15 – Jesus used the Greek word “agape”
   He cuts through the comparison of others.
   In Peter’s reply, Peter used the Greek word “philia.”
   It’s used in I Corinthians 16:22. “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed.”
   “Philia” means brotherly love.

   Jesus’ response, “Feed my lambs.”

2. John 21:16 – Jesus clarifies, I am not asking if you have brotherly affection for me, I’m asking for your devotion.  “Agape” is self-sacrificing love.

   Jesus’ response, “Take care of my sheep.”

3. John 21:17 – Amazingly, Jesus asks a third time, only he uses “philia.
   “Do you have a friendship love for me”
   John 21:17 says this third cut into Peter’s heart “hurt.”
   Jesus’ response, “Feed my sheep.”
   Peter’s honesty results in Jesus restoring Peter
   John 21:19b, “Then he said to him, ‘follow me.'”

   Priority one (before serving) is loving God.
   Deuteronomy 6:4-5

   Jesus proclaimed the same priority in Matthew 22:37-39.

   Jesus used three direct questions, Peter made three declarations.
   Jesus gave him three commands, and Peter was restored.

   All measurements of ministry success are subservient to loving God.

   Believing loving God is priority liberates from:
   a. The tyranny of statistics.
   b. Comparison with others.
   c. Other things.
   d. The oppression of exclusivity.

How Do We Get There?

1. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself and God.
2. Word and deeds.
   Faithfulness is not enough. See Luke 15:28-31
3. Cultivate heart intimacy with the Spirit of Jesus.

Personal Notes