He said to him, 'Tend my sheep' (John 21:16, ESV). | Alpha Index Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep… As Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). In this verse, the word “feed” comes from a different term, “poimaino,” which means “to shepherd, to tend, or to care.” The word “sheep” comes from the term “probaton,” meaning “mature sheep.” Jesus said a third time, “Feed my sheep” (v. 17). The world today is full of “pastors” (shepherds) engaged in all kinds of “ministries” (services). After reading this exchange, we can all start to see God’s heart of love for humanity. Jesus: "Then feed my sheep." But that's only my own imagination knowing there is a difference between lamb and sheep. I’m pretty sure that anyone reading this understands that Jesus wasn’t talking about woolly quadrupeds. I’m pretty sure that anyone reading this understands that Jesus wasn’t talking about woolly quadrupeds. Loving Jesus looked like “feeding his sheep.” These men went out from these precious encounters with Jesus, before he ascended to Heaven, and they all gave all their lives to grow the early church. Feed My Sheep is a 501c(3) non-profit ministry for the homeless. Peter and other disciples were fishing. It was a way to not only forgive Peter for his earlier betrayal of Christ but to show that Jesus had absolute trust in Peter’s ability to lead in God’s church. This Peter did. “Feed My Sheep” Introduction In the twenty-first century, especially in the western world, little is known of the role of a shepherd and perhaps even less is known of the characteristics of sheep. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. Shall we feed the Lord’s sheep with stories and anecdotes, personal testimonials, social and political discussion, irrelevant religious issues, philosophy and popular psychology, miracle meetings, and feel-good entertainment? Jesus answered, 'Will you lay down your life for me? Feed my sheep.” (See John 21:15–17.) Home By the end of the exchange is it clear that Jesus is repeating himself to demonstrate that Peter has been fully restored to his role as an apostle. Jesus appeared, caused their nets to be filled, and invited them to add some fish to the breakfast he was cooking. John 13:38. “17Jesus said to Peter the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' And when Jesus said feed My sheep, it means to feed the "advanced" believers. As in the glorious admonition of the Book of Mormon, those baptized into the church of Christ must be constantly “remembered and nourished by the good word of God.” (Moro. Peter said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' Jesus is clearly directing Simon's attention to the source of the problem, i.e., "Simon son of John." Then he asked Peter three times, 'Do you love me?'. And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Sermon Text: John 21:15-25. See to it that you look after the children that are in Christ Jesus. Answer: Jesus gave Peter a three-fold command to “feed my sheep” in John 21:15-17. Peter would understand that the “sheep” Jesus referred to were people. Dr. Sproul considers three possible meanings and discusses the various Greek words translated "love". It was also a reminder to Peter that God is a God of grace—and multiple chances even when we fail. You’ve got to know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. You too have sheep and lambs to nurture and feed. Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times'”. We each can take this charge—to care for the church—to heart. John 21:17 (NKJV) He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, As an apostle, Peter was commissioned to “feed his sheep.”. With this first of the three probing questions, the Lord answers "Feed my lambs," while after that the response is "Feed my sheep." Peter was a leader among believers, yet he must feed the lambs. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? “16He said to him a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' This lesson is also about you. Preparation. Jesus begins by questioning Peter about His love for Him, and each time Peter answers in the affirmative, Jesus follows up with the command for Peter to feed His sheep. First, let's listen in while Jesus and Peter talk to each other (John 21:15-17). Holy Spirit, show us how to be people that feed Jesus’ sheep. John 10:11 states that Jesus is the good shepherd and he will lay down his life for his sheep. Which White Horse in Revelation Is Worthy? To “feed my sheep” can be translated “to give food” but the word used implies more than just physical feeding other others. John 21:17 (NLT)A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. Feed my sheep. —Parables that liken the kingdom of God to a sheepfold with Christ as the Shepherd. If one asks the average person about what they know about sheep, they would probably say that sheep taste good. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. Feed (that is, encourage) My sheep, the Jewish people who believe in Jesus From the context, Peter's primary mission is to the Jewish people. Feed my sheep. First, Peter feared that Jesus doubted his sincerity and repentant heart. We notice that “Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him the third time, 'Do you love me? Yes, because they have not been feeding upon the Word of God, and this is our life, this is our guidance, doctrine is the container of truth, and truth sets us free, and this is what we need.This is a great lesson— Peter, Feed my sheep.Now, what are you going to feed them with, Peter?Well, Peter, you are going to be at a big disadvantage because Freud, Jung, Rogers and Maslow, all these guys haven’t … Jesus asks Peter “if he loves him” three times—mirroring how Peter denied Christ three times before he was killed on the cross. | Bible Topics Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" May we take your command to serve you with all we have seriously. The world today is full of “pastors” (shepherds) engaged in all kinds of “ministries” (services). To help the children learn to show love for Jesus Christ by helping others to understand and live the gospel.. Jeremiah 50:6 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful “My people have been lost sheep. Lastly, it made Peter feel that Jesus may be alluding to a future failure of Peter, as he had when Jesus predicts Peter’s three denials of knowing him. Feeding lambs and feeding sheep means that because of Jesus, we no longer can live for ourselves. Sometimes our feelings have to be hurt so that our concience can be cleared and our love confirmed. We need to be kind to each other, affirm and encourage one another, serve and forgive one another. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram. lambs.” “Tend my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.” There is no doubt that in this conversation, Jesus commends Peter to take care of not only the church but also the neighbors. We are Gods sheep. This lesson is about Peter’s love for Jesus, and the service that Peter would do for Jesus because of that love. God, please give us a heart of love for Jesus and his sheep or church. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. Jesus instructed all his disciples, not only to be fishers of men, by sharing the good news of the gospel with the world, but feeders of the flock, by the edification of saints. It’s an all-inclusive meaning that points to caring with the heart, in all sincerity. He knew that Peter loved him as though they were brothers. Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. However, Jesus wanted Peter to affirm his love again —to help Peter feel confident as a true disciple of Christ. Jesus tells Peter to feed his lambs, feed his sheep, and then again to feed his sheep. Assisting the needs of the community, Feed My Sheep offers many services such as: Hot cooked meals and sack lunches 7 days a week; Showers (women and men locker rooms) Laundry facilities, and other ; Personal services such as haircuts; Children's clinic Furniture donations Jesus’ command isn’t just for Peter. These are questions that all believers have to prayerfully consider as they choose how to spend their days here on Earth. By relating this post-resurrection incident of the miraculous catch, perhaps John is indicating that now the disciples have come full circle. All rights reserved. For food you have the words of God that were given to Peter's generation and have been passed on down to you in scripture. Let me share with you my experience that I had a few days ago. Sheep and lambs both represent people who are in a love of doing good, but while sheep means those who love to do good for the sake of the neighbor, lambs mean those who do good for the sake of the Lord. Reaching out is a very important practice that we should emulate. and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Thou knowest that I love Thee.” Jesus said unto him, “Feed My sheep. Can you hear the urgency in Jesus' question for Peter? John 21:17 (KJV)He said unto him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou Me?” Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, “Lovest thou Me?” And he said unto Him, “Lord, Thou knowest all things. In this text “feed my sheep” means more than just give them food; it's referring to the work of a shepherd. Peter offers three words of his own: “Speak God’s words” (1Peter 4:11, ISV). It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. If one asks the average person about what they know about sheep, they would probably say that sheep taste good. “Feed My lambs; be a shepherd to the weak ones of the flock; feed these weak ones.” He who loved Christ is to be like Christ, a good shepherd, giving his life for the sheep who are Christ’s. What stands out is how Βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου (feed my sheep) is usually translated into Hebrew רְעֵה אֶת טְלָאַי, because רָעָה has a homonym that means friend. He said, “Lord, you know everything. His meaning is that, if Peter truly loves his Master, he is to shepherd and care for those who belong to Christ. It has the sense of governing, caring for, guiding, protecting - the kind of faithful vigilance which a shepherd uses to guide his flock, and to make provision against their wants and dangers. Jesus did not doubt Peter’s love. May we all have the opportunity to share the joy that comes when we are faithful to serve. Feed again refers to nourishment; sheep refers to adult sheep. Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. To Feed us you need to provide the food. INTRODUCTION Jesus begins by questioning Peter about His love for Him, and each time Peter answers in the affirmative, Jesus follows up with the command for Peter to feed His sheep. “15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' After the breakfast, Jesus confronts Peter and asks him if he loves Jesus more than these. “My sheep” commonly refers to the church throughout the Bible. John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. Feeding lambs and feeding sheep means that because of Jesus, we no longer can live for ourselves. “Feed My Sheep” Introduction In the twenty-first century, especially in the western world, little is known of the role of a shepherd and perhaps even less is known of the characteristics of sheep. It’s an all-inclusive meaning that points to caring with the heart, in all sincerity. The “lamb and sheep” that Jesus is referring to is the church of Christ. In this verse, the word “feed” comes from a different term, “poimaino,” which means “to shepherd, to tend, or to care.” The word “sheep” comes from the term “probaton,” meaning “mature sheep.” Jesus said a third time, “Feed my sheep” (v. 17). … Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. Return to Table of Contents. To us all this message comes: "Feed My lambs." —When Jesus asked his disciples whether they would leave him, Peter answered with the question, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Peter immediately jumps out of the boat and eagerly swims to shore to meet Jesus! Jesus says to you, “Feed my sheep”. This made Peter sorrowful, but it helped him to move on without the burden of guilt and regret. Feed My Sheep is a 501c(3) non-profit ministry for the homeless. You too may love Jesus with all your heart, yet be grieved that in some way you have let him down. '”, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later”, “Peter said to him, 'Lord, why can I not follow you now? The Greek words used include the meaning of feeding sheep, tending, furnishing pasture, nourishing, supplying the needs of the soul, and tending to the spiritual welfare. Purpose. Tap a Lookup below to generate a list of lessons. Give us the strength we need to be obedient to your calling. We feed on the word of God and we drink the living water of Christ Jesus and we get our food and water via the Holy Spirit. New Living Translation A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. Philippians 2:17 says, “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. Tap the title next to the arrow to start playing the video on YouTube. Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? In Judges 14:20, this word in the piel perfect means Samson’s best man or best friend (for documentation see the question). So, just as Peter had denied Jesus three times, the risen Jesus now asked Peter to affirm his love three times. There is an objective relationship between the conferral of the mission attested to in John's account and the promise recorded by Matthew (cf. Peter said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). Amen. www.simplybible.com Copyright © Ron Graham 2014, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”, “I am the bread of life; those who come to me will not hunger, and those who believe in me will never thirst”, “Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him the third time, 'Do you love me? He wants us to feed his sheep. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. Prayerfully study John 21:1–17 and Mark 16:15.Then study the lesson and decide how … Next, it brought to mind Peter’s denial of Jesus before Jesus’ crucifixion. Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times'” (John 13:37-38, ESV). Peter was to lead people to the green pasture that gives everlasting life. If you truly love someone, you will do everything possible that your loved one needs you to do. Jesus is the good shepard and he uses the term sheep so that Peter would view us as sheep and himself as one of the new shepards. | The Hub You too can square things up with Jesus, receive forgiveness, renew your love, and move forward walking with him. Feed My Sheep. Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to that lesson with a link back to this page. John 21:17 (AMP)He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Many of the greatest saints of the Catholic Church were at one time great sinners. Not many days previous, when Jesus was facing death, Jesus and Peter had another conversation. Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. They reply “no” and he tells them to cast their net on the right side of their boats. Lesson 34: Feed My Sheep-Primary 7: New Testament. Sheep and lambs both represent people who are in a love of doing good, but while sheep means those who love to do good for the sake of the neighbor, lambs mean those who do good for the sake of the Lord. Jesus is our chief shepherd, caring for all of his followers. Nowhere in this discourse did Jesus refer to Simon as Peter. Click here to listen. I know that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; those who come to me will not hunger, and those who believe in me will never thirst” (John 6:35). With this first of the three probing questions, the Lord answers "Feed my lambs," while after that the response is "Feed my sheep." Peter would understand that the “sheep” Jesus referred to were people. Note that Jesus begins each question with a reminder of Peter's frailty and human weakness, even tracing his lineage, "Simon son of John." I’m going to look at the angle of “feeding” as it is aimed at our heads: giving our people information. Feed my sheep" (Jn 21:15-17). Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. Feed my sheep - The word here rendered “feed,” as has been remarked, is different from the word in the previous verse. They are called to nurture others, care for the church, feed believers and the lost with spiritual food, protect those in the church, and go out and seek the lost “sheep” that are still out in the world. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. The Greek words used include the meaning of feeding sheep, tending, furnishing pasture, nourishing, supplying the needs of the soul, and tending to the spiritual welfare. Will you endure persecution and in the end lay down your life for me?” That was his plan for Peter, but he only asked, “Do you love me?”. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." Why does Jesus give Peter this charge? Jesus states Peter’s task in three words, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Verily, verily, I say unto … We need to be kind to each other, affirm and encourage one another, serve and forgive one another. Let’s be the people that take Jesus’ words seriously and begin to willingly give our time and talent so that we are a blessing to those around us. He is to preach the Gospel to those who rejected Jesus and tend to and feed (shepherd and encourage) those who do believe. John 21: 17 (MSG)Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. Last Tuesday, I went to the hospital. He desires us to be people who live in service of others! In some quarters the pastors and ministers may need to prayerfully focus on those three words, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), and examine what food they provide the flock of Christ. That's what really counts, isn't it? Let’s explore what Jesus is saying to Peter in John 21 and how we can apply these words to our own lives. Jesus told Peter, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later” (John 13:36, ESV). To the minister, and to all who have any knowledge of the things of God, the commission is given. In John's account, John recognizes it is the Risen Christ, Peter swims ashore, and is re-commissioned, this time using the analogy "feed my sheep," rather the earlier analogy to be "fishers of men." Jesus goes out of his way to clear the air between Peter and himself. And I want all of you to share that joy.”. And when Jesus said take care of my sheep , it means to take care of both the "newbie" and the "advanced" :). How can we better serve one another and our church communities? In Luke 15:4-7 Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep and says he would leave the 99 to find the one lost sheep. “Peter said to him, 'Lord, why can I not follow you now? From mountain to … After all, the feeling is mutual —Jesus totally loves you too. "Be Still and Know that I Am God" "Pray Without Ceasing" "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made""All Things Work Together for Good" "Do Not Fear", Bible Study Resources - Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions. This conversation took place at Tiberius (lake Galilee), after Jesus had risen from the dead. I will lay down my life for you.' “Feed my sheep” Jesus states Peter’s task in three words, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). You too can affirm your love for Jesus, and so be strengthened and encouraged. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. Jesus calls for action to accompany our faith; giving meaning and purpose for our Christian lives. He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. 6:4.) Jesus invited Peter and all his disciples to take part in caring for his church. Jesus invites Peter to have breakfast with him and then in verse 17 begins to ask Peter if he loves him. We see the term sheep used elsewhere in the Bible. 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