Really!?!

Jesus asked a lot of questions to those who followed him. One question, in particular, has always fascinated and, at the same time, irked me quite a bit. The question is: “Do you love me?”

Linguists and theologians and scholars all have great interpretations and perspectives on that question, but my initial reaction (as a leader of artists) is not tied to any of those interpretations and perspectives. No, my initial reaction is, if I could borrow a Weekend Update (SNL) line, Really!?!

I am quite shocked Jesus would ask this question; think about it: the first followers of Jesus left their homes, became unpopular, were considered national threats, and, in the end were all the victims of capital punishment (and John was the only one not of them that wasn’t executed, but he was boiled and exiled, that lucky dog). With the knowledge of what these people sacrificed, and with the knowledge of their impending doom, Jesus has the audacity to ask, “Do you love me?”

Why didn’t Jesus ask, “How many people are taking you seriously as you follow me?” Or, “How much are you going to accomplish”, or “Can you show me some results?” As a person that leads a community of artists, my questions are usually based around the end result (success or failure) of what our community is doing.

The thing about this question that is haunting and beautiful, is that Jesus continually points out the one thing needed as we follow: love for God. Loving Jesus shows our world of loneliness and despair the need for the heart of God, both in action and reflection. Henri Nouwen says, that there is an enormous need for people to know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal. Jesus knows that, and he is constantly asking the question: Do you love me?