Feed My Sheep

Feed My sheep…John 21:17

Jesus said this to Peter after He asked him a third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Verse 17. Peter was restored. Three times he denied Jesus, and three times he affirmed his love for Him. Then Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me.” Verse 19. 

Sheep need to be fed. Sheep need also to be protected and led to green pastures and good water. Sure, sheep will survive in the wild. But they do much, much better under the watchful care of a good shepherd. 

At times, we, God’s sheep, choose to pray and fast. This is good. But in time, the fast ends and prayer continues. God’s sheep need their food and water and their rest. 

After a night of fruitless fishing, they saw Jesus on the shore. And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast, and they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish (153 fish, verse 11) Verse 6. Then Jesus fed them bread and fish, Verse 13. This reunion of Jesus and His disciples preceded the restoration of Peter, Verses 15 through 19.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He feeds us the bread of life. He quenches our thirst with living water. He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. He anoints our heads with oil. Our cups run over (Psalm 23:5, paraphrased) Though we may fast for a specific time and purpose. Though we may occupy our days with work and duty. Though we may often think of other things. This we know and this we return to: Jesus feeds us so we can join Him in feeding His sheep.