![\"Shepherding](\"https:\/\/mintools.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/sheep.jpg\")
\nThree times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.\u00a0 Three times Peter responded that he did to which Jesus told him to feed His sheep. This speaks to the priorities of this ministry.<\/p>\n
\nThree times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.\u00a0 Three times Peter responded that he did to which Jesus told him to feed His sheep. This speaks to the priorities of this ministry.<\/p>\n
In a previous post we looked at how different Greek words were used for “love” in John 21:15-17,<\/span> pointing to our motivations<\/a>.\u00a0 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<\/a> will be at different levels in their spiritual growth which must be taken into consideration when shepherding them.\u00a0 Here we will make some conclusions about the priorities <\/em>of a shepherding ministry by noting that two different Greek words are used for tending to the sheep.<\/p>\n v. 15 –\u00a0 “feed [bosko] my lambs” The word “bosko,” which was used twice, alludes primarily to providing nourishment.\u00a0 “Poimen” includes feeding but goes broader to overall care and is the same word used in 1 Peter 5 for shepherding.<\/p>\n Why didn’t Jesus use the same word, “bosko,” all three times for added emphasis?<\/p>\n Maybe He wanted to communicate that the flock needs more than feeding.\u00a0 They need to be protected and sometimes rescued.\u00a0 They need to be cared for when injured and comforted when afraid.\u00a0 Click on this link to learn more about the needs of sheep and the implications for shepherding them:\u00a0Shepherding Ministry Duties<\/a><\/p>\n Why didn’t Jesus just use the word “poimen” all three times since it includes feeding?<\/p>\n Jesus could be stressing the priority of feeding the sheep.\u00a0 Overseeing the flock is important but of prime importance is feeding the flock.\u00a0 Perhaps this is why one of the qualifications for leaders is to be able to teach (1 Tim. 3:2)<\/span>.\u00a0 Remember, teaching is not limited to the pulpit or classroom.\u00a0 There are many ways to teach (feed) others.<\/p>\n We learn why feeding is a top priority in shepherding<\/a> when we look at other Scripture passages like the following:<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 Anemic believers do little to advance the cause of Christ. They are too weak and lethargic.\u00a0 So, feed them. Tend to other needs as well. And, feed them some more.\u00a0 Feeding must be a regular occurrence.\u00a0 Feeding must get beyond the milk (basics) to the meat of the Word.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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. . . . Continue reading Shepherding Ministry: Priorities<\/span>
\nv. 16 –\u00a0 “take care of [poimen] my sheep”
\nv. 17 –\u00a0 “feed [bosko] my sheep”<\/p>\nDifferent Words Point to the Different Priorities in a Shepherding Ministry<\/h2>\n
Why Feeding is a Top Priority for Shepherds<\/h2>\n
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