Feed My Sheep

“He said to him a 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 21:17

“Jesus does not separate love for Him from care for His people. If we love Him, we will gladly spend ourselves for the good of His sheep.” John Piper

This verse hits deep. Peter had denied Jesus three times. Yet here Jesus comes back, gently but firmly, giving him three chances to affirm his love. And after each “yes,” Jesus doesn’t leave him sitting in guilt—He commissions him: “Feed my sheep.”

So many people disqualify themselves because of past failures. But no one is too far gone. We’re all called to love God and love people. That calling stands no matter how badly we’ve messed up.

I think of my own kids. Nothing makes me happier than when they care for each other. I believe that’s how God feels about us. He wants relationship with us—and He wants us in relationship with each other.

Don’t let brokenness hold you back. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Love Him. Love others. That’s the mission.

Have a great day living out that love. Feed His sheep.