“Do You Love Me?”

“Do you love me?” In this special episode, Dr. Sri reflects on the exchange between Jesus and Peter when Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Dr. Sri reveals some of the deeper meaning within this exchange and how it can pertain to our own lives.

Snippet from the Show
“Go to Jesus as you are.”


Shownotes

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Dr. Edward Sri

Dr. Sri recently announced that he will be taking a pilgrimage to the Holy Land November 4th – 12th of this year. For more information, email holyland.edwardsri@gmail.com.

Agape vs. Philia

In John 21, there is an exchange between Jesus and Peter where Jesus asks Peter three times, “Peter, do you love me?” Each time, Peter responds “Yes, I love you.” However, if you look at the original text, you will see that there are different meanings to the words that each Jesus and Peter use. The first two times that Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” he uses the word “agape” for love. This type of love is the ultimate love. It is the love Christ showed for us as he died on the cross. It is the love of God. When Peter responds to Jesus, he uses the word “philia” for love. This type of love is ordinary human love between family and friends.

Jesus Meets Peter

Why is this key information? Well, the third time that Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” he switches to the word “philia.” Basically, what can be surmised is that Peter was admitting his inability to love with “agape” love. In his new found humility, Peter is saying to Jesus, “Yes, I love you but I am not capable of the ultimate love yet.” So, Jesus changes how he is speaking and meets Peter where he’s at.

Jesus’ Prophesy About Peter

After the exchange, Jesus continues on to prophesy about Peter’s martyrdom. He explains how sometime in the future, Peter will love with “agape” love. As he continues to learn, grow, and receive the Holy Spirit, Peter becomes more capable of “agape” love. This leads him to a willingness to die for love of Christ.

Dr. Sri on Pilgrimage in the Holy Land

The three following images are from the place commemorating where Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”

Three stones shaped like hearts to represent the three questions.

Church of St. Peter’s Primacy

The Sea of Galilee

Do you have questions about the Catholic Faith?

Send in your questions to info.edwardsri@gmail.com

Resources

  • Visit Dr. Sri’s website at www.edwardsri.com and to book online events with Dr. Sri email events.edwardsri@gmail.com
  • Find more of Dr. Sri’s episodes at www.ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic 
  • Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to www.ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings

Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, well-known Catholic speaker, and author of several best-selling books. His work with Ascension includes study programs such as A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion and Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother. Several of Dr. Sri’s programs were filmed on-site in the Holy Land, and feature immersive video explorations of the sacred sites where Jesus, Mary, and the Apostles lived and died.

Dr. Sri is the host of the acclaimed Ascension podcast All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri.  Together with Curtis Martin, Dr. Sri is a founding leader of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), of which he serves as senior vice president of Apostolic Outreach.

Dr. Sri lives with his wife Beth and their children in Colorado.

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