Loving the Saviour More Than Anything or Anyone Els
Text: John 21:15
The Highest Call to Love Jesus Supremely
In the heart of every true believer lies a divine call to love the Lord Jesus Christ more than anything or anyone else. This is not a suggestion—it is a sacred expectation. In John 21:15, the risen Saviour asks Peter a penetrating question: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” This question echoes through the centuries to every Christian today. Our answer shapes our destiny, our devotion, and our usefulness in the Kingdom of God.
Life presents both constants and variables. The resurrection of Christ is a historical and spiritual constant—unchanging and true. What we do with this reality becomes the variable that defines our eternal outcome. To love the Saviour above all is to align our entire lives with this unchanging truth, letting His love govern our choices, actions, and relationships.
1. Forsaking the Self We Loved
Reference: John 21:3
Self-Love Before Christ
Before salvation, our lives revolved around self-interest—our comfort, goals, possessions, and preferences. However, following Christ means forsaking that self-centered love. Peter’s declaration, “I go a fishing,” after the resurrection revealed a return to self-will and a retreat from divine purpose. Like Peter, we must choose between self and the Saviour.
The Meaning of SELF
- S – Superficial Slavery We Learned
(1 Corinthians 7:23; Galatians 1:10; Matthew 6:24)
We are trained from youth to serve self. It may involve following others who have missed God’s path.
- E – Entangling Emptiness We Loved
(2 Timothy 2:4; Hosea 10:1)
Many are caught in fruitless pursuits that offer no eternal value. We must avoid such entanglements.
- L – Libertine Lifestyle We Lived
(Acts 6:9; Matthew 7:13–14)
True liberty is found under Christ’s control, not in rebellion against divine order.
- F – Fruitless Fishing They Had Left
(John 21:3; Galatians 2:18)
The disciples returned to fishing but caught nothing, showing the futility of self-directed action.
2. Feeding the Sheep with Love
Reference: John 21:15–17
Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs.” Ministry is not simply about knowledge or skill—it is about love. God’s people need spiritual food served with grace, humility, and compassion.
(i) Daily Feeding Our Own Souls with the Word
Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Job 23:12
We must regularly feed on God’s Word. Like Job, we should esteem it more than necessary food. This empowers us to nourish others.
(ii) Dutifully Feeding the Sheep with His Word
Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:26–28
Faithful shepherds feed the flock with knowledge and understanding. Ministers must teach with clarity and conviction, fulfilling their divine duty.
(iii) Delightfully Feeding the Saints with the Wholesome Word
1 Peter 5:2; Ephesians 4:11–14
We should minister willingly, not for gain. Teaching sound doctrine helps believers grow and stand firm in the faith.
3. Following the Shepherd We Love
Christ demonstrated perfect love through His sacrifice. Now, we respond by following Him with love, loyalty, and obedience.
(i) Lovingly Following the Lord in Whatsoever We Do
John 21:18–19; 2 Timothy 2:21–22; Revelation 14:4–5,13
We must purge sin, walk in holiness, and serve faithfully. Our eternal rewards follow our obedience and labor.
(ii) Loyally Following the Light Whatever Others Do
John 21:20–22
Jesus said, “Follow thou me.” Like Ruth who stayed with Naomi, we must stay with Christ regardless of others’ decisions.
(iii) Lively Following as Labourers Wherever We Dwell
1 Peter 2:5,9,21
As “lively stones,” we must serve God joyfully and faithfully wherever we are, following Christ’s steps every day.
Love That Leads to Obedience and Impact
Loving Jesus above all is a transformational decision. It leads us to forsake self, feed others with His Word, and follow Him faithfully. May our love be evident not just in words, but in our total surrender and unwavering obedience to His call.
“Lovest thou me more than these?” May our answer be a life that says, “Yes, Lord, I love You above all.”
