“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ Peter replied, ‘you know I love you.’ ‘Then feed my lambs,’ Jesus told him.”
John 21:15 (NLT)
Jesus waits. After the miracle. After the meal. After the warmth of the fire and the reminder of who He is. He doesn’t rush Peter. He doesn’t lead the conversation. He draws Peter into it. And He does it by calling him by his old name—Simon—aiming the question straight at Peter’s former identity.
“Do you love me more than these?” The question isn’t fully explained, and maybe that’s intentional. It could mean more than the other disciples. It could mean holding Peter to the bold words he once spoke. But standing there beside the fire is also a massive catch of fish—everything Peter used to be good at. Everything familiar. Everything safe. Both are right in front of him. Do you love me more than the fishing, Peter?
Jesus is pressing on a deeper choice: not theoretical, not symbolic—real. Do you love who you were, or who I’m calling you to be? Do you listen to the voice that says you’ll always be a fisherman, or the voice calling you to shepherd my people? Peter answers three times, washing away three denials, choosing love over comfort, obedience over nostalgia.
When Jesus gives us a new name, we still choose which identity we live from. The old life may still sparkle. The taste may linger. And the enemy knows exactly when to bring the memory back. But as we abide with Christ—through Scripture, prayer, worship, and community—our love for Him grows stronger than the pull of the past. Loving Jesus more than “these” changes everything for us and those we shepherd.