DEVOTION – DAY 47

John 21:17 – “Feed my sheep”

 

John 21:17: “The third time He said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

 

The disciple Peter had earlier denied Jesus three times. He knew he had failed Jesus. But the resurrected Jesus sought out Peter and graciously asked Peter if Peter loved Him. Just as Peter had denied Jesus three times before, in this passage, Peter confirmed three times to the resurrected Jesus that he loved Him. In doing so, Jesus restored Peter. Peter again experienced a oneness with the Lord. In the same way, when we become a Christian, we also have a oneness with the Lord because He has given us the Holy Spirit that lives in us. If we say we love the Lord, He expects the oneness we have with Him to be poured out into action. Just as Jesus tells Peter to “Feed my sheep.”, the Lord expects us to do the same.

How do you and I feed “sheep” today? During this period of hard times, there are some amongst us who are spending a large part of their time on their own. It can get depressing. We know someone who found a way of showing concern and love. She surprised someone living alone with a food gift using Grab Food to deliver the food item. Who can you surprise with a food gift this week to show your love and care for that person? Do you know of anyone who may be suffering from a prolonged illness? Will you share Scripture to encourage that person? Will you pray for that person?

We know someone who is using this time of pandemic to work on a Bible study series for children so that parents can engage with their children in learning God’s Word together. You may not be gifted to prepare such studies but do you know that the twice weekly devotion posted by KLBC on its website is a useful resource to enable parents to engage their children in studying the Bible together? Have you been actively feeding your children using this useful resource? It is better than letting your children watch TV or play computer games.

If you are active in a children’s ministry, with Covid-19 pandemic, it may be some time before our church can resume children’s ministry because the old and the young are more open to a serious infection. Will you think of creative ways to engage these young hearts and minds? Will you think of ways to still “feed” them spiritually? We know that Boys Brigade had carried out virtual parades as an example. If you love Jesus, will you feed His sheep?

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. May we show our love for you by gladly guiding, loving and caring for our fellow believers for your glory. In Jesus Christ precious name we pray. Amen. 

 

Questions

  1. Who do you consider to be the “sheep” that the Lord wants you to feed? Discuss.
  2. How can you go about feeding them spiritually and showing them love, care and concern?
  3. How will you be praying for your “sheep”?
  4. Jesus wants you to show your love to Him by feeding His “sheep”. Are you prepared to do so regardless of cost to you? Discuss.