What tools do I use?

Now that you spend time in God's word, what tools are available to dig deeper in your study? You can purchase books or computer programs or use something FREE! Preference? I thought so. A free tool that is available online and as an app is www.Biblehub.com.

I like this tool for a couple of reasons. 

First, it provides multiple translations for the same verse. Years ago, I was told that if you studied King James, the New American Standard, and the New International Version together, you would have a pretty good idea of the original intent of the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. So, this site provides that availability.

Second, it provides an interlinear Hebrew and Greek source. This source shows the original Hebrew or Greek word, its grammatical form, and its meaning. From there, we can gain a greater understanding of the passage's intended meaning.

As an example... go now and read John 21:15-17. 

For real. 

Go read it and come back. I will wait.

(If you did not, shame on you!)

Forgetting any sermon you may have heard in this passage, what is happening here? Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him three times. Peter responds and actually gets a little upset at the repeated question—as if Jesus did not believe him.

What do YOU love? Jesus, spouse, children, family, pizza, a good steak, dessert, the beach, golf, etc...

Do you find it odd that we use the exact same word for our love of food as we do for our love of Jesus? 

So, reading this passage, regardless of how much time we meditate on it - we will NEVER understand its intended meaning without looking at the original language. Therefore, we assume meaning and insert our thoughts. 

"Jesus must have asked Peter three times because Peter denied Him three times." (There is nowhere in Scripture that states that!)

By looking at the interlinear Greek source, we see the difference. 

Jesus asked twice, "Do you agapao me?" 

Peter answered, "I phileo you." 

Defining those words will bring a deeper meaning to the conversation.

Agapao - showing love through obedience by God's power and direction. It is an expression of loyalty and devotion.

Phileo - to love like a brother. It is an expression of emotion.

"Peter, do you follow me in obedience more than the other disciples do?"

"Jesus, I love you like a brother."

Now, we begin to see what is going on here. 

Jesus was asking for an expression of loyalty to accompany Peter's expression of affection.

In verses 15 and 16, Jesus asked the same question. 

In verse 17, Jesus matched Peter's word for love in His question.

In each verse, Jesus commanded an action (Greek imperative) to express love.

My takeaway: It is not sufficient to simply SAY I love Jesus. My love for Him is expressed when I do what He says to do in His word.

What is He teaching me in His word through personal devotion, Sunday school, discipleship, and worship?

Am I doing what He taught me as an act of love and loyalty to my Lord and Savior?