Love Coupons

We have been learning about Jesus love for us and how He took on the punishment we deserved by paying for our sins with his death on the cross. Today, I want to talk about what happened just before that. Roman soldiers caught up with Jesus and he was taken away. Simon Peter and another disciple followed close behind as the soldiers took him to the high priest. When they reached the high priest, a girl saw Peter and asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter was afraid and said, “I am not.” A little while later, someone else asked him the same question. Again, he responded, “I am not.” Then one of the high priest’s servants said to Peter, “Didn’t I see you with Him at the olive grove?” Again, Peter said he didn’t know Jesus.

After Jesus was crucified on the cross and God raised Him from the dead, He appeared to his followers over a 40 day period. The third time this happened, Jesus had a very important question for Simon Peter.

(Read John 21: 15-17 & 19b below.)

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

19bThen he said to him, “Follow me!”

So, I have two questions for you: Who are the sheep? Yes, people are the sheep. What does this story say about love? Love is action! Jesus said he loved us – so He died for us. Peter said he loved Jesus, so Jesus asked him to serve the people and follow Him. So I brought this coupon book today so you can act our love this week. How many of you tell your parents that you love them? I made a coupon book to show you something you can give to your Mom or Dad and they can see that love in action. (Read coupons.) Some of you may grumble, but after we read today’s verse, I think you will agree. “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15 Everyone take a sheep home as you go back to your seats. It has today’s memory verse and you can make your own coupon book.

Love Coupons (PDF)