Yesterday was special.
We filmed “How to Love You” from
@brotherhoodmusical .
This song means so much to me. In a deeply powerful way, it answers the question of what love looks like in action.
After Christ’s death, Peter returns to what he knows: fishing. I’m sure he cherished the words of Jesus in his heart as he processed all he had learned and witnessed over the previous few years.
But when Jesus visits Peter on the shore, He asks him a question three times, followed by a simple call that books and sermons will teach about forever.
He asks Peter, “Lovest thou me?”
Peter responds almost incredulously, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.”
This is repeated and responded to three times. And after the third time, the Lord simply says, “Feed my sheep.”
Peter was converted, yes. But living the gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t just about being converted in a vacuum. The whole point is to leave the ninety and nine to find the one that is lost. To leave the comfort of what’s known and familiar and easy, and step into the storm seeking the one. To be on our way to somewhere important, but still stop and help a fallen traveler in need. Or to meet a host of simpler, less severe needs that could make all the difference to someone.
And when we find them, we lift them up. We give of our means to feed them, to heal them, and to bring them home.
“When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” was another invitation from Jesus to Peter.
As this song beautifully teaches:
“Love doesn’t wait, doesn’t fold its hands,
it just keeps on giving what love demands.
Love isn’t madness or weakness or flaw,
it’s the fountain of life for all.
Love’s for the ones that we see right through,
’cause when we don’t see them, you still do.
Love’s for the sparrows, the lilies, the lambs,
and you feed them like no one can.”
In the film, that’s Jon’s conversion moment. The moment when his belief becomes more than just words, or ideas, or principles to be discussed at church or in scripture.
The moment when the Savior asks him, “Lovest thou me?”
And he must decide if he will accept the invitation to feed His sheep.
Thank you
