The Final Question of Jesus: How You Can Live the Answer Today (LifeChange Books)

In this follow-up to the bestselling Simply Jesus, Joe Stowell says that loving Jesus is all about loving people. We never love Him more than when we involve ourselves in the lives of men and women, boys and girls. The highest form of love for God’s Son is pouring out our very lives for His sons and daughters. The Lord Himself teaches that when we touch others, when we encourage others, when we help others—"one of the least of these brothers of mine"—we are touching, encouraging, and helping Him. Through the tender story of Peter’s restoration on a beach in Galilee, we learn about proving our love for Jesus by caring about what He cares about most.

You Are the Answer to Life’s Ultimate Question

You may feel like the philosopher who said, “The more I get to know people, the more I like my dog!” People! The source of our greatest pleasure and deepest pain. Figuring out what to do with them is life’s ultimate question.

And it is the question that interests Jesus beyond all others. People are His passion, His abiding concern, and His greatest treasure.

There is no better way to show your love for Jesus than by caring about what He cares about most. The final question that Jesus asked Peter presses us to the deepest reality of our Christian walk. People need to be loved, nurtured, and rescued, and Jesus calls us to be the answer.

Story Behind the Book

I’ve been asked some uncomfortable questions in my life. I’m guessing that you have, too. …Do you know why I pulled you over? …Have you heard anything that I have said? …Could you give me your pin number please? …Do you know where your ball landed? …And just how do you intend to support my daughter?

But count on it, there will never be a more unsettling question than the final question that Jesus asked Peter.

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

The Lord asked Peter that most penetrating of questions…not once, not twice, but three times. Those words pierced deep into the very core of Peter’s purpose in life. As I’ve studied the gospels in recent days, I’ve been surprised to learn that the most important way to show Him our love is to simply love His people. This small book is the outgrowth of that life-changing realization.

Joseph M. Stowell (BA, Cedarville College ; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; DD, Master’s College) is president of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and a frequent speaker at churches and conferences throughout the world. Dr. Stowell is heard daily on the radio broadcast “Proclaim!” and writes columns in Moody magazine and Today in the Word. Dr. Stowell and his wife, Martie, have three grown children who are involved in full-time church ministries and proudly enjoy three grandchildren.