Sheep and Lambs

Jesus had a way of making people uncomfortable.  Or maybe that was just Peter he did that to.

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.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt 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. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. 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.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.” - John 21:15-19

Three times Jesus asks Peter the same question, and each time Peter is confused and a bit annoyed.  Why would Jesus doubt his love for him?

Or does he?

Jesus tells Peter to feed his lambs, the ones who want to do good but need to be fed with the truth of God's love.  

Then he tells Peter to tend to the sheep, the older ones who do good toward one another but need help.  They too need feeding in the word.

So, all of God's children are in need of love and support, and we all need to know the truth.

When we are young, he says, we go where we wish and do what we want, but when we grow old, we need to be led around.

We give up our independence out of need or fear.  We go from lambs to sheep to lambs once again.

If we choose to follow Jesus, we will be able to stay the path and avoid falling.  We will do good out of love for God and one another, and not fall into the hands of those who would destroy.

I am sure Peter was confused, as we are at times.  It is not always easy to take on the responsibility of a shepherd.

Jesus needs us to be like him, loving and trusting in God, while spreading the truth of God's love and mercy.

All can be fed and all can be saved.

More to come...