Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. When Peter responded that he did, each time Jesus told him that if he loved Him to feed His sheep.Most of the times I’ve heard sermons or Bible lessons on this passage in John 21, the distinction of the two different words used for “love” is brought out. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything presented about the two distinct Greek words used for “feed” nor of “lamb” and “sheep.” Surely it must all be significant. These are verses where the English language does not do justice to the passage. Looking at the original Greek language provides a fuller understanding of God’s intent.
Since Jesus speaks of sheep, we would be safe to draw out lessons for shepherding ministry. The next three posts will examine the three word changes which are not obvious in the English language. (Subscribe to be notified of new posts.) As we look at these different word changes we will find the following implications for shepherding ministry.
Entrustment: sheep (arnion and probaton)
Motivation: love (agapeo versus phileo)
Priority: feed (bosko and poimaino)
As already brought out in the Shepherding Ministry section of MinTools.com, shepherding is not limited to church leaders. Click below for more about each of the following shepherding venues.
discipleship
elders
equipping
mentoring
ministry teams
parents
pastors
small groups
Sunday School
support groups
Regardless of your means of shepherding, the truths from this passage should cause you to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you understand who it is God has entrusted to your care?
- Are you involved in this kind of ministry for the right reasons?
- What is the most important thing you can do for those within your care?
More for Church Leaders: Church Leadership Qualities – Be a Shepherd
This is a great lesson from our Good Lord for Peter, as the only son of the living God Jesus knew all his deciples. Serves us too as great lesson. Sometime we as believers tend to do things that are only in our favour thus leaving this great work of “Feed my Sheep” May God’s blessings be upon on everyone who read this passage.
Amen! May we get beyond ourselves. Let’s remember that feeding His sheep is a way of showing love to the Lord.