A Sunday morning hymn and scripture: John 21.15-18, More Love to Thee

<sup>In this passage Jesus calls Peter to return to him, Peter having denied Jesus three times when Jesus had been delivered up to be crucified. Thus, the "love" is in question, it's at the center of the narratival tension. It is not settled. This story paints not a serene picture but a tumultuous one. Similarly, in the hymn below - More Love to Thee, O Christ - note that the phrase "More love to Thee" is not a declaration of great love, but a plea for that love. Very often I do not feel like I love Christ very much but am rather in need of that love. And I'm heading off to worship this morning in such a spirit, to lead worship moreover! "Here now my earnest plea, more love, O Christ, to Thee!" - Blessings, Matthew

15</sup>When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

¹⁶Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly 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.

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!