Do You Love Jesus?
What if the most important question of your life isn’t how good you are — but who you love? Do you love Jesus?
Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder, being better, or earning God’s approval. At the heart of the Christian faith is a far more personal and defining question: Do you love Jesus?
In Week 6 of our Follower series, Pastor CJ Ward walks through one of the most intimate and powerful moments in Peter’s story—his restoration after denying Jesus. Through this encounter, we see that Jesus is not looking for perfect performance, but a surrendered heart that responds to His grace with love.
Big Idea
Spiritual growth is not driven by effort, but by love.
When we truly grasp how much Jesus has forgiven us, our natural response is not obligation—it’s devotion.
Message Summary
After denying Jesus three times, Peter is overwhelmed with guilt and shame. He assumes his failure disqualifies him from following Jesus any further. But when the resurrected Jesus meets Peter on the shore, He doesn’t confront him with anger or condemnation—He invites him into restoration.
Around a charcoal fire—the same setting where Peter denied knowing Jesus—Jesus asks Peter a simple but piercing question three times: “Do you love me?” Each question mirrors Peter’s denial, not to shame him, but to heal him.
This moment reveals a profound truth: Jesus doesn’t restore Peter by reminding him of his failure, but by reminding him of love. Peter’s calling isn’t rebuilt on performance—it’s rebuilt on grace.
This message reminds us that we don’t grow by earning God’s love; we grow by staying connected to it.
Key Scripture References
John 21:1–19
Jesus restores Peter after the resurrection, asking him three times, “Do you love me?” This passage shows that love—not perfection—is the foundation of discipleship and leadership.
Luke 7:36–50
Jesus explains that those who are forgiven much, love much. Our awareness of grace directly shapes our devotion to God.
1 John 4:19
“We love because He first loved us.” Love for God is always a response, never a requirement to earn salvation.
Ephesians 2:1–9
We were dead in our sins and unable to save ourselves. Salvation is a gift of grace—not something we achieve through effort or obedience.
Matthew 11:28–30
Jesus invites us to be yoked to Him, reminding us that He carries the weight we were never meant to bear alone.
Why This Message Matters
Many people believe following Jesus means proving themselves worthy—being good enough, strong enough, or disciplined enough. But the gospel tells a different story. When we stop trying to earn God’s love and start receiving it, real transformation begins.
Jesus isn’t asking if you’re good enough.
He’s asking: Do you love Me?
And when love leads, obedience follows.
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