When you think about God, what is your idea about Him? For a long time, God had been someone I needed to be terrified of. Though I knew He loved me, God was still someone strict and scary, only caring about principles and laws. I knew His love by theory, but not from the heart. However, when I saw how romantic God is, I could finally feel His love in my heart.
What is Romance?
What does it mean to be romantic? The Britannica Dictionary defines the word “romantic” as “thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someone.” In other words, romantic means a unique way of expressing love so that the subject can feel it. And often, the key characteristic of romance comes from repetition and emphasis on shared memories and unique keywords.
To explain these concepts easily, I would like to give an example from my personal experience with my wife. As I grew up, I always lived on hills that were close to water. Houses where I lived in Korea and Japan were surrounded by green hills, and I could walk to either a river or the beach. Sometimes, I would go for a walk to the beach and look into the water, listening to the sound of its waves. There, I would spend time thinking and reflecting on my life. Thus, many personal memories and emotions were connected to hills and beaches. My wife grew up in a very similar environment. Her house in Italy was at the top of a hill; but, it was only ten minutes away from the beach where she made many memories.
It was at the same beach in Italy where I met my wife for the first time. We shared our first memories on the beach near the hills. In this way, the beach became an even more important place for us. The concept of the sea kept repeating among us, as we were separated by seas and oceans between Japan and Italy. During long-distance relationships, we often find encouragement in the Song of Solomon 8:7, which says “Many waters cannot quench love, Neither can the floods drown it.” Later, when I proposed to her, I chose the Scarborough Bluffs—a beach with a hill right next to it. At that moment, I did not need to tell her about what the beach meant for her or me. I did not need to go through the time we spent as a long-distance couple. It is because as soon as we entered the beach, all these memories returned to us both. And hopefully, she found the proposal romantic.
Thus, one of the central features of romance comes from repetition and emphasis on memories and a keyword. For me and my wife, in the example that I used, it was a beach close to hills.
In this sense, romance is not limited to something only between a man and a woman. This kind of romance can happen in every kind of relationship. It can happen to family, friends, church members, and others. Romance can exist with any kind of love, to show how we love each other and cherish the memories we share together.
Romance has one more interesting characteristic to remember. These memories are unique to specific individuals and do not have a significant meaning for others. For example, if I had brought my roommate at that time to the beach, he would not have found it meaningful in his friendship with me. Instead, he would have found meaning between himself and me in other memories. Therefore, we can see that romance is a very personal attribute.
And now, did you know that our God is also very romantic? Among many different romances between God and humans, the example we will learn from today is with Jesus and Peter.
The Call by the Sea
Let us read the story of how Jesus called Peter for the first time.
“…He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed Him.” Luke 5:4–11
For Peter, fishing was not merely a job but his love and passion. From The Desire of Ages, we can read about his love for his profession even after Jesus’ resurrection: “The evening was pleasant, and Peter, who still had much of his old love for boats and fishing, proposed that they should go out upon the sea and cast their nets.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 810
Until Jesus called Peter, he had been spending all his life on the Sea of Galilee. He spent most of his day fishing here. There were so many memories made here. It was a place that Peter could not imagine living without. For this reason, Jesus chose the Sea of Galilee as the first place to call Peter. Jesus could have chosen a market, street or synagogue. However, Jesus did not call Peter from a place where it was easier for Himself. Jesus knew the place that was meaningful for Peter. And so, Jesus walked into Peter’s life and met him there. It is the same for us. Jesus knows what is important to us and meets us there.
The same principle applies to missionary work too. We should not sit and wait in the church or in a place that is comfortable for us. We should go out and show our interest in people’s lives. We should care about what is important to them. That is how Jesus wants to meet souls through us and start His relationships and stories with them.
Jesus chose where to start His story with Peter. Now He needed to choose how. And His choice was the miracle of catching many fishes. Jesus told Peter “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” This command could have sounded like a joke to Peter. In human eyes, Jesus was merely a carpenter who also preached. He would have no knowledge about fishing. Meanwhile, Peter was a professional fisherman who had been fishing for many years. If Peter had failed to catch fish overnight, how can an amateur even dare to give suggestions?
After all, daytime was not a good moment to fish. “Night was the only favorable time for fishing with nets in the clear waters of the lake. After toiling all night without success, it seemed hopeless to cast the net by day” (–The Desire of Ages, p.246). Therefore, Jesus’ command should have sounded like it was from a lack of knowledge about fishing. However, Peter obeyed and that day, he witnessed a larger amount of fish than he had ever seen before.
Why did Jesus choose this miracle? Jesus was planning to make Peter a pillar of the early church, and the influence of his work was to continue upon the church for over two thousand years that were to follow. Jesus planned for Peter to be one of the “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) and bring many souls to Jesus.
However, Peter had a weakness that could be an obstacle to this high calling. It was self-reliance. Peter tended to rely upon his own strength, knowledge, judgement and experience. One of many examples where we can see his weakness is when “Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?” (John 18:10; Matthew 26:52–53)
Even though Peter knew well of Jesus’ power, his hand immediately grabbed his sword, trusting in his own strength. As long as Peter had this tendency to trust his own strength, he could never be a true missionary. It is because our king’s business is never done by human strength, but by divine power. Peter needed to learn how to look upon Jesus’ strength, not his own.
This is why Jesus chose the miracle of catching many fishes. In human eyes, Peter seemed to be more experienced and knowledgeable about fishing than Jesus. However, when he trusted and obeyed Jesus’ command, he caught so much fish that it almost made his and his fellow’s boats sink into the water. When Peter put a net down, the divine power worked with him. It was a lesson for him to remember as he catches men. As he tries to win a soul, he should never trust his own strength, knowledge, judgement and experience. He should always rely on Jesus, listening to His command. Only when he does so, he could be a true missionary of Jesus—the fisher of men.
Walking on the Sea
However, it was not a lesson that Peter could learn in just one day. Therefore, Jesus called Peter to follow Him. They spent many days together, sharing many memories. During these times, Jesus tried to teach the same lesson to Peter. One of the most significant events related to this lesson happened one night when there was a great storm at sea.
“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But
straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew 14:24–31
Does it not take significant faith to walk on the sea? Peter did walk on the sea. It was a great experience for him. But what made him sink into the water despite his faith? Why did Jesus tell him that he had little faith?
“Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, ‘Lord, save me.’ Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’” –The Desire of Ages, p. 381
Why did Peter turn his eyes away from Jesus? It is because he was proud. He wanted to see the other disciples and boast about his faith. His eyes stopped looking at Jesus. The subject of his faith turned from Jesus. And ironically, his faith was looking upon his faith itself. He trusted his faith, not Jesus. That’s when his faith lost its power. He was relying on Jesus when he walked on the water. But as he became proud, he relied on his strength—his faith—not Jesus.
Unfortunately, many Christians repeat the same mistake. They trust in their faith, not Jesus. As they rely on their spiritual experience and become proud of it, they lose sight of Jesus. Peter walked on the water. It was a great spiritual experience and a miracle—there is nothing against this fact. However, as soon as he relied on his own experience and faith, ironically the subject of his trust switched from Jesus to his own spiritual strength.
“Jesus read the character of His disciples. He knew how sorely their faith was to be tried. In this incident on the sea He desired to reveal to Peter his own weakness,—to show that his safety was in constant dependence upon divine power. Amid the storms of temptation he could walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he should rely upon the Saviour. It was on the point where he thought himself strong that Peter was weak; and not until he discerned his weakness could he realize his need of dependence upon Christ. Had he learned the lesson that Jesus sought to teach him in that experience on the sea, he would not have failed when the great test came upon him.” –The Desire of Ages, p.382
Again, this lesson was repeated at the place where it is significant for Peter. If Peter had learned the lesson here, he could have avoided the bitter experience. Unfortunately, due to his lack of wisdom, Peter had to learn it in a harder way.
Three Denials
Time passed, more memories and lessons were given, and now it was time for Jesus to sacrifice Himself on the cross. So He gathered His disciples and told them about what was going to happen now.
“Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. Peter answered and said unto Him, Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice. Peter said unto Him, Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” – Matthew 26:31-35
Peter made a very beautiful confession of his love for Jesus. “Though I should die with Thee, yet will I not deny Thee.” What can be stronger love than being willing to die for someone? Did not Jesus say, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)? Was it not the same love that Jesus showed us? Is it not the same promises we make as the remnant church? At baptism, we promise God that we will not deny Him even unto death, by keeping the Sabbath under the threat of Sunday Law. We made an oath, that even if the whole world stands against the truth, we will stand on Jesus’ side, just as Peter said: “Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.” Then what is wrong with Peter’s confession? Why did Jesus not accept Peter’s confession? Why did Peter eventually deny Jesus three times?
It was because of the same weakness of Peter we have talked about. He relied on himself, but not on Jesus. When he confessed this love, he relied on his love. He did not know that perfect love can be imputed and imparted only from Jesus. He did not learn that he needs to ask Jesus to give him this love. He did not realize that the power of divine love can exist in him only when he keeps receiving it from Jesus.
Are not our confessions of love and faith as Peter’s? We might sometimes say “How can Peter be so foolish?” or “How can the ancient Israelites complain so many times? How can people in the Bible be so faithless witnessing all these miracles? I am not like them.” In this way, we are repeating Peter’s words: “Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.”
Peter did not know his faith was built on the sand. He relied on his own love, his own faith, his own judgement, own knowledge, own experience and own strength. His source of power was himself—a weak human. Thus when the time of trial came, he immediately fell.
“While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter’s eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.
“The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced his heart like an arrow. Conscience was aroused. Memory was active. Peter called to mind his promise of a few short hours before that he would go with his Lord to prison and to death. He remembered his grief when the Saviour told him in the upper chamber that he would deny his Lord thrice that same night. Peter had just declared that he knew not Jesus, but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knew him, and how accurately He had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown even to himself.
“A tide of memories rushed over him. The Saviour’s tender mercy, His kindness and long-suffering, His gentleness and patience toward His erring disciples,—all was remembered. He recalled the caution, ‘Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.’ Luke 22:31, 32. He reflected with horror upon his own ingratitude, his falsehood, his perjury. Once more he looked at his Master, and saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite Him in the face. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed, heartbroken, from the hall.
“He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane. The scene of a few hours before came vividly to his mind. The suffering face of his Lord, stained with bloody sweat and convulsed with anguish, rose before him. He remembered with bitter remorse that Jesus had wept and agonized in prayer alone, while those who should have united with Him in that trying hour were sleeping. He remembered His solemn charge, ‘Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.’ Matthew 26:41. He witnessed again the scene in the judgment hall. It was torture to his bleeding heart to know that he had added the heaviest burden to the Saviour’s humiliation and grief. On the very spot where Jesus had poured out His soul in agony to His Father, Peter fell upon his face, and wished that he might die.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 712–713
Peter found himself in Gethsemane. Contrary to his three denials, here in this place, Jesus prayed for Peter and the human race three times. Peter deeply realized how weak he is. He saw what his weakness was, and how terrifying the result it brings. He felt his need.
However, Jesus has never forgotten Peter, even when he said he did not know Jesus. It was Jesus’ promise that gave him the assurance of forgiveness and strength in the midst of his deep sorrow: “But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”
When Jesus was risen, He remembered Peter. On the day of resurrection, an angel met the women at the tomb and sent them to the disciples, mentioning Peter’s name particularly. “But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you.” Mark 16:7. The promise that Jesus would meet them at Galilee was repeated. Following this command, the disciples headed to the Sea of Galilee.
By the Sea Once More
As they arrived in Galilee, their hearts were filled with memories. The Sea of Galilee was not only where they grew up, but also where they were called by Jesus. This was the place where their stories with Christ started.
“Much of the time of Christ’s ministry had been passed near the Sea of Galilee. As the disciples gathered in a place where they were not likely to be disturbed, they found themselves surrounded by reminders of Jesus and His mighty works. On this sea, when their hearts were filled with terror, and the fierce storm was hurrying them to destruction, Jesus had walked upon the billows to their rescue. Here the tempest had been hushed by His word. Within sight was the beach where above ten thousand persons had been fed from a few small loaves and fishes. Not far distant was Capernaum, the scene of so many miracles. As the disciples looked upon the scene, their minds were full of the words and deeds of their Saviour. ” –Ibid., p. 809
Soon, Peter suggested fishing due to his old love for it and also to earn money for food and clothing.
“Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they
were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” John 21:3–6
It was not the first time they, especially Peter, witnessed this miracle. It was the same miracle that Jesus performed when He called them for the first time. The miracle was to give a lesson that they should not trust themselves but the Creator. Peter did not learn the lesson when this miracle was given at the beginning of his walk with Jesus. However, after all those memories, lessons, and failures, he finally understood the meaning of this miracle.
At the same place, with the same miracle and the same lesson, Jesus called Peter to be a fisher of men once again. How romantic is Jesus in His relationship with Peter?
“Vividly they recalled the scene beside the sea when Jesus had bidden them follow Him. They remembered how, at His command, they had launched out into the deep, and had let down their net, and the catch had been so abundant as to fill the net, even to breaking. Then Jesus had called them to leave their fishing boats, and had promised to make them fishers of men. It was to bring this scene to their minds, and to deepen its impression, that He had again performed the miracle. His act was a renewal of the commission to the disciples. It showed them that the death of their Master had not lessened their obligation to do the work He had assigned them. Though they were to be deprived of His personal companionship, and of the means of support by their former employment, the risen Saviour would still have a care for them. While they were doing His work, He would provide for their needs. And Jesus had a purpose in bidding them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He stood upon the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored in connection with Him,—His divine power combining with their human effort,—they could not fail of success. ” –Ibid., p. 810
However, there was something to be solved before this invitation. “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?” John 21:15. Why did Jesus ask Peter such a question? Was Jesus mocking Peter’s confession before Jesus’ cross that he will love Jesus to death? Was Jesus giving a hard time to Peter because Peter denied Him three times? Not at all. Rather, Jesus did so for Peter’s sake.
“Peter’s denial of his Lord had been in shameful contrast to his former professions of loyalty. He had dishonored Christ, and had incurred the distrust of his brethren. They thought he would not be allowed to take his former position among them, and he himself felt that he had forfeited his trust. Before being called to take up again his apostolic work, he must before them all give evidence of his repentance. Without this, his sin, though repented of, might have destroyed his influence as a minister of Christ. The Saviour gave him opportunity to regain the confidence of his brethren, and, so far as possible, to remove the reproach he had brought upon the gospel. . . .
“Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter’s repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple.” –Ibid., p. 811–812
Now, let us see how Jesus worded His questions. In Greek, which is the original language of the New Testament, there are mainly four words used to describe “love.” The first one is Agape. It means divine love—the love of God that is perfect and immortal. The second one is Philia, which describes the love between friends and brethren. The third one is Storge, it means love among family. The last one is Eros. It is used to describe love between a man and a woman. Except for Agape, any other form of love is imperfect unless it is sanctified by adding Agape to it. Any kind of human love is changeable. Many unfortunate stories show how love between couples, families, and friends can break down and even lead to hatred. However, the love of God never changes.
When Jesus asked Peter the first question, “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?” (John 21:15), He used the word Agape. In this way, Jesus was asking: “Peter, you confessed before that you love Me with unchangeable love that even death cannot stop. Do you still think the same?” To this question, Peter answers as following: “He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee.” In this answer, Peter used Philia. What does it mean? It meant: “Lord, I do love you. However, my love is not perfect. My love is weak and changeable. Therefore, I need to receive love from You. I need the divine love that never changes, and I cannot have it unless You place it in my heart.”
Jesus asked the second time with the word Agape. “He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” John 21:16. Peter, is your love for Me unchangeable and perfect as you confessed before? Peter answered, “He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee.” John 21:16.”You know my heart, Lord. I do love You, but it is not perfect or divine. I am merely human. I cannot rely on my love. However I want to love You perfectly. So please give me Your love, so that I can love You unchangeably.”
In His third question, Jesus changed His word. “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” John 21:17. This time, Jesus did not use Agape, but He used Philia. In this way, Jesus showed that He accepted Peter’s humble confession. And as He invites Peter to “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15–17), He prophesized how Peter will die. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He saith unto him, Follow Me.” John 21:18–19
These words seemed to be out of context. Why would Jesus talk about how Peter dies, when they were talking about love? However, these were the perfect words Peter needed to hear from Jesus. Jesus said, “Verily, Verily, I say unto thee.” When you were young, you trusted yourselves. So far, you relied on your wisdom, experience, knowledge, judgement, love, faith, and strength. However, in your old age, you would be weak. Firstly, it would be fulfilled literally in your future. However, there is a double meaning. In your old age (now as you have spiritually matured), you would be weak (you know that you are weak and need to trust Me). You have finally learned what it means to trust Me. Therefore, now I promise you. You will die for Me. You have asked for a love that will stand even unto death. You confessed loving Me to death, but you failed. That made you learn that you need to receive it from Me. And indeed, you asked Me for it. Therefore, I will give you what you asked—you will die for Me. You will love Me with Agape, to your death, glorying God. I give you Agape—the perfect, unchangeable, and immortal love.
“Now he was prepared to share in his Lord’s mission of sacrifice. When at last brought to the cross, he was, at his own request, crucified with his head downward. He thought it too great an honor to suffer in the same way as his Master did.
“To Peter the words ‘Follow Me’ were full of instruction. Not only for his death, but for every step of his life, was the lesson given. Hitherto Peter had been inclined to act independently. He had tried to plan for the work of God, instead of waiting to follow out God’s plan. But he could gain nothing by rushing on before the Lord. Jesus bids him, ‘Follow Me.. Do not run ahead of Me. Then you will not have the hosts of Satan to meet alone. Let Me go before you, and you will not be overcome by the enemy.” –Ibid., p. 815–816
Jesus came into Peter’s life and met Him at a place that was significant to him. They shared so many memories together. And at the end, He repeated their first memory again, calling Peter, who is finally ready to be a fisher of men. The same place, the same miracle and the same lesson. The only difference was that Peter finally learned the lesson and received what Jesus had prepared for him. Is not our Lord so romantic? This is the kind of relationship Jesus would like to build with you.
Many human romances, including romantic stories, movies, and novels, are in vain. Many romantic relationships that a man and a woman build today are mere sentimentalism and nothing more than emotions that do not last. However, Jesus’ romance is different. It reaches the deepest of hearts, changing our lives in this world and coming world. He knows our weaknesses and secrets, His romance turns them into strengths. His romance removes the human love in us and plants Agape love.
Jesus is inviting you to build this relationship with Him. No one else can build this relationship and story in your stead. Even though we today know the stories of Jesus and Peter, there are so many memories, conversations, and experiences that are not written in the Bible. They had spent more than three years together, and we do not have recordings of every single conversation and experience that they shared. Only Peter knows those memories. As we learned at the beginning, romance has a personal attribute. It is the same for us. Knowing our romantic God through Peter’s story is not enough. You have to start your relationship with Jesus today. There are many memories to build. There are concerns about your life that only you and Jesus know. There are spiritual experiences that only you and Jesus know. There are answered prayers that only you and Jesus know.
Jesus has a plan for you and would like to start it by walking into your life at the place that is important for you. Dear reader, where is your Galilee? Are you sharing memories with Jesus in your heart and life? Are you spending every day with Jesus? Are you building memories with Jesus? Have you met Jesus already? Is Jesus a romantic God for you? Amen
Makoto Matsumoto