Tag: Feed My sheep
“Do you love Me?”
Scripture reading for November 4: John 18-21
When you are in a covenant relationship with someone, it is always good to affirm our love for that person. We go through seasons when the relationship may be strained or drifting rather than passionately connected. We go through personal trials and attacks of Satan that seek to knock us off our vows of commitment. Today we will consider Peter, one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples who denied Jesus three times after His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. (John 18:22-27)
We don’t know how long after the resurrection that the account in John’s Gospel takes place. Peter and a number of the disciples had decided to go fishing in the Sea of Tiberius (Galilee). They fished all night and had nothing to show for. As they were approaching shore, Jesus stood there and called out to them. They told Him that they had no fish but didn’t recognize Him as the Lord. He told them to throw their net on the right side of the boat, and when they did, they were unable to hoist their net because of the great number of fish! John recognized Jesus at that point and told Peter it was Him. Peter immediately jumped into the water and came to Jesus, Who had built a fire with fish already cooking and some bread for the tired fishermen. John states that this was the third time Jesus appeared to them.
After Jesus served them the meal, Jesus turned to Simon Peter and asked him a question. “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.” (John 21:15) This was repeated three times in similar fashion. Peter’s feelings were hurt because Jesus asked him this three times. (John 21:17) Jesus made a statement of prophecy to Peter about how he would die to glorify God and then called Peter to follow Him.
Jesus wants us all to affirm our love for Him on a daily basis. We can tell Him we love Him but actions also show our love for Jesus. In Peter’s case, he was called to feed the lambs and sheep. As a shepherd must care for the animals, a pastor must care for God’s people ! We must follow the ‘Good Shepherd” in order to properly feed and care for His sheep! Love for Jesus is demonstrated by obedience!
A final thought concerns Peter’s death. Tradition says that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. He chose that because he felt unworthy to die as his Lord Jesus had! Peter’s life and death brought glory to God! We must live in obedience to the Lord! “To live is Christ, to die is gain!” (Philippians 1:21)
“Do you love Me?”
Scripture reading for November 19th: John 21
Key Scriptures: John 21:15-17 “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said, “Feed My lambs.” He said to Him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.””
Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter had pledged that he loved Jesus and was willing to go with Him to prison and death. (Luke 22:33-34) After Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times as Jesus had prophetically announced. Peter had failed the Lord and he had wept bitterly. After the resurrection of Jesus, in His third appearance to His disciples, Jesus singled out Peter to purposely draw out his love and commission him to do the work of ministry that He had called him to. He had returned to fishing, but Jesus had called him to fish for men and pastor those who would believe on Him. These searching questions concerning our love for Jesus and His call speak to us today. Even when our faith falters, Jesus is praying for us and is willing and able to restore us. Confess your love and willingness today.
Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Jesus seeking out Peter to draw out his love and devotion in the face of failure. Help me today to stay strong even when I feel that I have failed You and not fulfilled my devotion or commitments. Confront me and draw me and I will run after You. Yes, Lord, I love and follow You and will care for Your sheep.
John 21:18-19 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This He said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after this He said to him, “Follow Me.””