Dear Ones,

The aroma of roasted fish and fresh baked bread drifted from glowing coals into the cool morning mist. Silhouetted against the hills of Galilee, seven weary fishermen finished breakfast after witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime miracle—a catch of 153 large fish.

After His resurrection, Jesus had instructed His disciples to meet Him in Galilee. They went, but while they waited, Peter announced, “I’m going fishing,” and six others joined him. They fished all night and caught nothing.

As dawn broke, a man stood on the shore and called to them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat.” They obeyed, and instantly their nets were so full they could hardly haul them in. John recognized Him first. “It is the Lord!”

Soon they were gathered around a charcoal fire, eating breakfast with Jesus.

When the meal was over, Jesus turned to Peter and asked a question that has echoed through the centuries:

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

What a tender question.

Only days before, Peter had denied even knowing Jesus. We almost expect a rebuke, a lecture, or at least a reminder of his failure. Instead, Jesus simply asked about Peter’s love.

I find it interesting that Jesus called him Simon, the name he had before Jesus renamed him Peter. It was as though Simon had returned to the only life he had known before following Christ. Yet Jesus wasn’t finished with him.

Three times Peter answered that he loved the Lord, and each time Jesus responded, “Feed My lambs… Take care of My sheep… Feed My sheep.”

Then He simply said,

“Follow Me.”

Last Sunday my husband preached from this very passage. In the weeks leading up to his sermon, we talked often about Peter’s restoration, but one thought settled deeply into my own heart.

What if Jesus asked me that same question?

“MarJean, do you love Me?”

I know what I would want to answer.

“Yes, Lord. You know that I love You.”

But then what?

What would He ask me to do?

And what would He ask you?

I don’t believe Jesus calls every believer to preach from a pulpit or serve as a missionary in another country. Yet He does call every one of us to follow Him.

Each of us has been shaped differently. Romans 12 reminds us that God gives different gifts to different people. Some encourage. Some teach. Some quietly serve. Others give generously, lead wisely, or extend remarkable mercy. The differences are beautiful because they all reveal Christ’s love in unique ways.

Perhaps we’ve spent too much time trying to discover our spiritual gift and too little time simply growing in our love for Jesus.

After all, Jesus didn’t begin by asking Peter, “What are you good at?”

He asked,

“Do you love Me?”

Love came first.

The assignment followed.

I’ve always loved the story of Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire. When his sister urged him to stop running and become a missionary to China immediately, Eric replied,

“God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

After competing in the Olympics, Eric did become a missionary in China. Running had never been a distraction from God’s calling. It had been part of the way God had made him.

I understand what he meant.

More than anything, I want to feel the pleasure of God—not because I’m doing something impressive, but because I’m faithfully doing what He has asked me to do.

Hebrews reminds us,

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

Can you picture that quiet morning on the shore?

The mist still rising from the lake.

The warmth of the fire.

The smell of fresh bread.

Jesus looking at you—not with disappointment, but with tenderness—and asking,

“Do you love Me?”

Perhaps, like Peter, memories of your own failures come rushing back. Yet there is no condemnation in His voice. No scolding. No shame.

Only this:

“Follow Me.”

Follow Me in the unique way I have prepared for you.

Love the people I place in your path.

Use the abilities I have entrusted to you.

Trust Me with courage.

Joshua’s words still ring true today:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

As we go through our days, may we hear Jesus’ invitation echoing in our hearts:

“Follow Me.”

And may our answer be found not only in our words, but in the quiet, faithful way we follow Him, loving others with the gifts, opportunities, and passions He has graciously placed within us.