My mother had mailed me the tape from across the country because of a strange request – “Mom, I was praying, and I just felt like I needed to listen to that old album by Dallas Holm again. Can you send it to me?”
I sat in the dark listening to the songs, wondering why it had seemed so important when I was praying. I knew as soon as I heard these words:
“Feed my sheep, feed my sheep, if you really love me, just feed my sheep.”
That was it. That was what I was supposed to hear. Even though I was sure the phrase had a specific application to me, it would be years before I fully understood that quiet word from God. Indeed, what it looks like in my life is still unfolding today.
Feed My Sheep – John 21:15-17
It is a well-known story. Jesus had been crucified and had risen from the dead. Peter’s betrayal was still fresh. Early one morning, Peter and six other disciples were in a boat after an unsuccessful night of fishing.
Then there He was. Standing on the beach tending a fire, Jesus called them to breakfast.
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 to him, “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 the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “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.” – John 21:15-17
More often than not, the focus of sermons about this passage stays on the question part: “Do you love me?” There is such depth in that aspect of the story and well worth the time to study.
But for me the command “Feed my sheep” has been a guide for my life. You’ll notice in the English that the three phases are not exactly the same. They are also different in the original Greek.
A straightforward way to understand these three verses is:
- Verse 15 – Feed my lambs
- Verse 16 – Shepherd my sheep
- Verse 17 – Feed my sheep
Physical Care
Feeding (Βόσκε or Boske) here can be understood as quite literal. Physical provision for God’s people is necessary – those with hungry bellies do not have ears that hear well!
In Luke 3:11, Jesus said “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” James 1:27 tells us that pure religion in God’s eyes is to care for widows and orphans. The early church recognized the importance of physically caring for its people and appointed seven deacons just for that purpose (Acts 6:1-6).
Even more compelling, Jesus told the disciples that feeding the hungry was the same as giving Him food (Matthew 25:35)!
As people of Christ we are called to be caregivers of others, and aware of their physical needs. This certainly means food, but it can also include finances, shelter, and any other practical need someone might have.
Spiritual Care
Shepherding (Ποίμαινε or Poimaine) has implications more along the lines of spiritual care. Guiding and tending to non-physical needs is equally as important as a caregiver.
While 1 Peter 5:1-3 is addressed to elders, it gives valuable insight into what godly spiritual care looks like:
“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
Words like teacher, pastor, counselor, come to mind. But you and I do not have to have these titles to care for others spiritually. A willing ear, godly counsel that is steeped in Scripture, commitment to prayer… all of these are ways to spiritually care for those in your life.
As parents we tend to the spiritual care of our children by teaching them truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and modeling it. Titus 2:3-5 instructs older women to teach the younger women what is good.
It is essential that all the spiritual care we undertake is grounded in Scripture for “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16)
My Sheep Feeding Story
“Feed my sheep” was such a personal message for me – I have spent huge amounts of time literally preparing food for others, not only my family, but in ministry. The “feeding” message even had an unexpected twist when I spent time as a volunteer lactation counselor. And several years after that dark night when His words whispered their way into my heart, I found myself in a class being trained to lead Bible studies. This opened a door into decades of in-person and written Bible study ministry.
As I look back over 25 years since that moment in my living room, I can see so many ways that God has fulfilled that word in my life! The fact that I am writing here is one of them!
Jesus is the Shepherd
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and He asks us to be His assistants in tending to His flock. All good assistants understand that they implement the instructions of their superior, and maintain his vision in their work, but know that they are not ultimately in charge.
You and I also, as those who desire to love Jesus by serving His people, must always remember that it is He who is our gentle leader—it is for Him and because of Him that we serve. May He be glorified in all that we do!
