Feed My Sheep

Posted on by thespiritofchrist_hakoyt

John 21:12–17 (will read twice)

12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 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.”

Brief Sharing

  • Did you feel you were able to imagine yourself in the scene? Did any part resonate with you? 

Comments on Community

  • Jesus fed his disciples after they had abandoned him. Powerful act of grace.
    • Especially for Peter, reinstituting him 
  • Do you love me?
    • Feed my sheep, tend them (literally shepherd my sheep—take care of them)
  • The mercy and grace we have received (being cleansed from sin and filled with the Spirit) doesn’t come with a catch
    • But it does come with a call:
      • To take care of the Lord’s people. To feed them with encouragement and love. To build them up.
  • We are not Pastors or Priests. But we are also called to lay down our lives for one another in love.
    • Love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34)
    • Make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification (Rom 14:19)
    • Look to the interests of others (Phil 2:4)
    • Encourage and build one another up (1 Thess 5:11)
    • Always strive to do good for one another (1 Thes 5:15)
    • Encourage one another daily (Heb 3:13)
    • Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb 10:24)
  • Goal that this year, we do that more than in any year prior.

Discussion

1. Jesus fed his disciples before he called them to “feed my sheep”. How is this significant for our lives?

2. Is there one way in which you’ve been “fed” here in the community? How has it helped?

3. Is there one practical way you can commit to helping take care of one another here in the community? (Maybe you can use your answer from last Monday) What about outside the community?