Feed My Sheep
Today’s Text:
John 21:15–19 (ESV) — 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
1. What is happening in this passage?
Jesus returns after His resurrection to find His apostles returned to what they knew before: fishing. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him more than fish. He asks three times, for each of Peter’s earlier denials. With each affirmation from Peter, Jesus reminds him of his true calling—caring for Jesus’ believers, His sheep.
2. What is God revealing about humanity?
It is in our nature to revert to our old ways after trials or tests of faith, like Jesus’ crucifixion. We need to be reminded that we have been called to serve Jesus’ church and follow Him, not our old ways. That’s how we love Jesus.
3. What is God revealing about Himself?
God is patient and compassionate with us, giving us second chances to join in His mission, even after a denial, either denying Him in word or in deed. He calls us to follow Him and participate with Him in His mission of compassion.
4. How should our lives change?
Don’t forget you have been called to a new mission. Stop fishing for fish when you’ve been called to fish for people. When you forget your mission and go back to your comfort zone, hear the compassionate voice of Jesus calling you back out of the boat and into the mission field.
