Category Archives: Discipleship for Spiritual Growth

Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.  Three times Peter responded that he did to which Jesus told him to feed His sheep. This speaks to the priorities of this ministry.

In a previous post we looked at how different Greek words were used for “love” in John 21:15-17, pointing to our motivations.  And in another post, we saw that two different Greek words were used for sheep … little lambs, sheep … indicating that those whom He entrusts to our care will be at different levels in their spiritual growth which must be taken into consideration when shepherding them.  Here we will make some conclusions about the priorities of a shepherding ministry by noting that two different Greek words are used for tending to the sheep.

v. 15 –  “feed [bosko] my lambs”
v. 16 –  “take care of [poimen] my sheep”
v. 17 –  “feed [bosko] my sheep”

The word “bosko,” which was used twice, alludes primarily to providing nourishment.  “Poimen” includes feeding but goes broader to overall care and is the same word used in 1 Peter 5 for shepherding.

Different Words Point to the Different Priorities in a Shepherding Ministry

Why didn’t Jesus use the same word, “bosko,” all three times for added emphasis?

Maybe He wanted to communicate that the flock needs more than feeding.  They need to be protected and sometimes rescued.  They need to be cared for when injured and comforted when afraid.  Click on this link to learn more about the needs of sheep and the implications for shepherding them: Shepherding Ministry Duties

Why didn’t Jesus just use the word “poimen” all three times since it includes feeding?

Jesus could be stressing the priority of feeding the sheep.  Overseeing the flock is important but of prime importance is feeding the flock.  Perhaps this is why one of the qualifications for leaders is to be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2).  Remember, teaching is not limited to the pulpit or classroom.  There are many ways to teach (feed) others.

Why Feeding is a Top Priority for Shepherds

We learn why feeding is a top priority in shepherding when we look at other Scripture passages like the following:

• People need to become thoroughly equipped for every good work which comes through the Word. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

• People need to learn to distinguish good from evil which requires constancy in feeding on the meat of the Word. (Heb. 5:14)

The more equipped and discerning people are, the better they are prepared to meet the demands of this life and be light and salt in this world.  Anemic believers do little to advance the cause of Christ. They are too weak and lethargic.  So, feed them. Tend to other needs as well. And, feed them some more.  Feeding must be a regular occurrence.  Feeding must get beyond the milk (basics) to the meat of the Word.

Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Three times Peter responded that he did to which Jesus told him to feed His sheep. On the surface this exchange from John 21:15-17 looks fairly obvious that it’s about motivation. If Peter loved Jesus, He would do something to show it.  Specifically, he would care for what is important to Jesus … His sheep (followers).

Love as Motivation for Involvement in a Shepherding Ministry

As Jesus had communicated earlier, love is the greatest commandment … first love for God and then love for others (Matt. 22:35-40).

The Greek language uses different words for love:

agapeo – divine love
phileo – friendship type of love
eros – romantic type of love
storge – familial type of love

The word for love used in the Great Commandment which we are to have for both God and man?  —  agapao … a selfless, sacrificial, giving sort of love

Now look at the original language in John 21 and you will see that Jesus and Peter, also called Simon, were not on the same page.

v. 15 –

Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love [agapao] me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he (Peter) said, “you know that I love [phileo] you.”

v. 16 –

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love [agapao] me?”
He (Peter) answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love [phileo] you.”

v. 17 –

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love [phileo] me?”
He (Peter) said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love [phileo] you.”

Not too long before this encounter, prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter asserted, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (Lk. 22:33). That sounds like what AGAPEO would do.  When faced with an opportunity to put that love into practice, Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus, not once but three times!

Peter learned some hard lessons.  Undoubtedly humbled by his own weakness, Peter couldn’t bring himself to respond to Jesus’ question, ” do you truly love [agapao] me?” with more than “you know that I love [phileo] you.”

Despite receiving a lower level love response, Jesus nonetheless asks Peter to feed His sheep.  The third time Jesus even switched to phileo to match Peter’s level.

Lessons for Us as Shepherds of His Sheep

1)  Agapeo should motivate you to serve.  To be most effective in shepherding, you can’t be selfish, protecting yourself.

2)  It’s one thing to say you agapao God and others, but another to truly love that way.  Guard against pride in this.

3)  Jesus will meet you where you are, patiently waiting for you to grow more in love with Him.  Be honest with him about where you are.

4)  Though you might not feel worthy to shepherd His sheep, do it anyway.  If you wait until you fully arrive, you probably won’t do it.

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. In John 21: 15-17, Peter was given an entrustment.

Entrusted to Shepherd Jesus’ Sheep

Peter was a fisherman by trade.  When first called, Jesus said, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19).  Now, after three years of discipleship just before Jesus was to leave to go back to heaven, the metaphor changes to shepherding.

Jesus had previously made reference to sheep in His teaching so the concept was not new to Peter.  Remember the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 and the rejoicing when it was found?  Remember how Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd, in John 10, who lays down His life for the sheep?  He perceived the crowds of people to be “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). But of those who belonged to Him, He said, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me” and “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:14, 27).

All people are like sheep, helpless and prone to wander.  Not all sheep, however, belong to HIS fold.  Jesus exhorted Peter, “Feed MY sheep.”  Just as Jesus “came to seek and to save what was lost” (Lk. 19:10), so Peter would still share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.   But, Jesus had a new assignment for Peter, that of shepherding His flock, the Church Jesus would institute after His ascension to heaven.  Peter, one of the early church leaders, was given an entrustment.  Jesus would still be THE GOOD SHEPHERD and as seen in 1 Peter 5:4, the CHIEF SHEPHERD.  Make no mistake.  The sheep belong to Jesus.  Peter would be an “under-shepherd.”

After Jesus ascended and the church grew, elders were established in the local bodies who were given this same entrustment.  Their primary responsibility likewise was shepherding the sheep.  Click on this link for a breakdown of 1 Peter 5:1-4 where this instruction is given:  Church Leadership Qualities – Be a Shepherd

Into this context we find Jesus first telling Peter “Feed my lambs (arnion)” followed by two instances of “Feed my sheep (probaton).”  The original Greek language uses two different words, one meaning young or little lambs and the other signifying what could include more mature animals.

Lessons from John 21:15-17 About the Entrustment Those in a Shepherding Ministry Have Today

Jesus communicated a significant reality by using two different words.  Not all of HIS sheep would be at the same spiritual growth level.  The Church is made of of young converts and those who are further along in their walk.  “Feed my lambs.”  “Feed my sheep.”  They both need to be fed but perhaps a distinction is made because both the feed and the means of feeding could have to be adapted.  Little lambs need milk, not solid food (Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:2-3).

Questions for today’s under-shepherds:

Do you understand who it is God has entrusted to your care?

Do you know the condition of the flock entrusted to your care?

Though written for Bible teachers, the Teacher’s Role in Discipling Students Resource, could be of help to anyone involved in feeding His sheep.  Through it you will learn:

Let me end with a reminder.  We are entrusted with JESUS’ sheep.  This is a stewardship.  Let’s be found faithful in feeding His sheep.

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.

Implications in John 21:15-17 for Those in a Shepherding Ministry

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.  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)

We Need These Kinds of Shepherds in Various Venues

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