Top Priority
John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.” The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep.”
As I continue to look at this passage I continue to see new insights. One of the fresh thoughts that came to me as I read this passage is that Jesus asks Peter the same question “Do you love Me?” three consecutive times. As Peter responds each time, Jesus answers back with a short response each time.
In vs. 15 Jesus says, “Feed My lambs.” In vs. 16 Jesus says, “Tend (or take care of) My sheep.” Then in vs. 17 He says, “Feed My sheep.” Isn’t it interesting that in each of these three commands Jesus refers to believers as “sheep” or “lambs.” Why would He do that?
For several reasons. First, it is an image that is easily understood in Middle Eastern culture. Palestine, especially eastern Palestine around Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the areas on eastward toward the Jordan River, lends itself very well to shepherding. The terrain is rocky, hilly, and of poor soil so it isn’t good for farming. But it is good for the raising of sheep. And so Jesus’ use of this image was readily understood by His hearers.
Secondly, sheep make a good image because they are helpless, needy creatures. They don’t fare well on their own and are fully dependent upon the shepherd. Which is why Jesus refers to Himself as the good Shepherd.
Notice, also, in this passage that three times Jesus identifies the sheep as His own. He says, “Feed My lambs” and “Feed My sheep.” They belong to Him. Believers are the Lord’s. They don’t belong to the church or to me as a pastor. They belong to the Shepherd.
Finally, notice that Jesus tells Peter to “feed” and “tend” His sheep. Jesus doesn’t tell Peter to ignore His Sheep. Or to entertain His sheep. Or to neglect His sheep. Or to showcase His sheep. The expectation for Peter was that he would “feed” them. Nourish them. Nurture them. And care for them.
Too many churches and pastors think they need to “wow” their people or “stimulate” their people, or “impress” their people. That’s not what we are called to do. We are called to “feed” the sheep. And we feed them with spiritual food from the Word of God.
These were great reminders for Peter. They’re great reminders for the church today. And they’re great reminders for pastors and leaders.