John 21:15–17 (ESV)

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

This doesn’t work in English. There are two different Greek words that translate into “love,” but their meanings are different. Agapas (αγαπας) is sacrificial love—the “I’d take a bullet for you” kind of love. Philo (φιλω) is just strong affection. To illustrate the difference, I’ll substitute “LOVE” for the cases where the text uses agapas.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you LOVE me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you LOVE me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

The amazing truth is that Peter will go on to take a bullet for Jesus. In fact, his martyrdom makes taking a bullet look like easy street. There is reason to believe Peter was crucified.

So, once again, Peter is getting schooled by Jesus in a way he’ll never be able to shake.

Remember this the next time God takes you to the woodshed. Sanctification is a big deal. He wants us to grow, and our comfort is of little importance compared to that.

Thus, God often hammers His saints hard. Being shamed or embarrassed half to death is nothing.

So, the next time God disciplines you, suck it up, buttercup, and focus on the lesson. You’ve paid the tuition, now get your money’s worth. Think hard about what the Lord is trying to teach you.

This leads to one of the most important kinds of prayers—asking God to help you understand what He’s teaching you. His lessons can get deep, and not seeing them immediately is normal, but understand that you may be asking to get thwacked again. If you really want to learn, that should be okay.

And note that there can be great comfort buried inside these painful lessons. The sense of His presence is most strong when He is disciplining us.

Things may be unpleasant, but they sure as heck aren’t random.

These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

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The weekly study guides, which include the Monday–Friday devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.