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Do You Love Me? — 8/20/2026 10:00 AM
Today's Fall Bible Conference speaker is Dr. Trevin Wax, Vice President of Resources and Marketing at the North American Mission Board. In this message from John 21:15-18, Dr. Wax challenges us to ask ourselves if we truly love Jesus.
Notes
Chapel Recap: Do You Love Me?
In today’s chapel, Dr. Trevin Wax concluded his Fall Bible Conference series on the questions Jesus asks us, diving into His question of, “Do you love me?” to Peter in John 21:15–19.
What is Jesus Looking For?
Turning the question framework around, Dr. Wax discussed what Jesus would answer if we were to ask Him what He was looking for. While many would say faith or obedience, Dr. Wax suggested a deeper answer: Love. Christ’s desire for love differs in motivation from ours. We desire love because we have needs and feel unfulfilled. Christ desires love not because He lacks fulfillment, but because He knows we will be fulfilled by loving Him. Even His own desires are selfless.
Jesus Questions Peter
After Peter denied Jesus three times, his sin and shame were suffocating. Peter once saw his heart as righteous but realized how unrighteous he truly was. Dr. Wax reminded us, “There’s no coming back from denying Jesus three times — the only solution is for Jesus to come to Peter.” In asking Peter if he loved Him, Jesus looked at Peter’s heart.
Rest in the Lord, Who Knows You Completely
While our hearts, like Peter’s, can condemn us, 1 John 3:19–20 tells us to be assured that God sees the truth of our love. Even when sins and wickedness feel overwhelming, Christ sees His children’s genuine, though often feeble, love for Him. Because of this, Peter can be confident, despite his sin. Jesus sees the love in Peter's heart. Dr. Wax emphasized, “The one who knows you best is the one who loves you most.” The Lord loves to use the weakest of us because His strength will be glorified through us.
Answer the Call To Cross-Shaped Service: Real Love
Each time Peter says he loves Him, Jesus tells Peter to shepherd His people. To love Jesus means to love those He loves. We cannot be fearful of being hurt when we love. Real love bleeds. Love is costly and painful in a fallen world, but Christ calls us to love anyway. We must love Christ and love like Christ until the day when we see Him face to face.