Jesus Commands - Feed my Sheep

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Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love Me?” And he answered “Yes!” And so Jesus gave him something to do. He said, “feed, take care of My sheep.”

Purpose in Christ

This is what happens with the risen Christ. He always gives purpose. We spoke about this last week. To Peter He said, “feed the flock, take care of the flock, reach out to the community, care for them, feed them.” This is a command. “You say you love Me, well, take care of the people in your life!”

Do you remember the two most important commandments according to Jesus? The first was to love God with all your mind, heart, soul, and strength, which is what we spoke about yesterday. The second was to love people, to love your neighbor as yourself. Because love for people flows out of the love of God. When we love God properly, we're compelled to go out and love people with the love He's shown us.

When people look back on your life one day, will they say “that person really cared about others, they were always doing good things for others”?

Henry Blackaby puts it this way: He said “Jesus understood that it is spiritually impossible to love God, but not others.”

Everyday Acts of Care

So, friends, let's care. Are we feeding the hungry, giving where we can, setting aside some of our blessings for others? David Robertson once said: “If I'm clutching my money with both hands, how can I be free to hug my wife and kids?” We need to be giving people.

Are we reaching out to talk to those who are struggling? Phone calls, visits, WhatsApp's can go a long way. Are we looking for opportunities to show care? Carrying someone's groceries, paying someone's bill? Opportunities are many.

You know, since I've been recovering from this op and I've been pretty much immobile at home—can't drive, can't move around much at all— I've had such care from the people in my life. They've loved me. They've cared for me. They've reached out to me in so many ways when I've needed it most. As have all of you with your prayers, your donations towards this ministry. I'm so grateful for all of that.

So if you've said yes to Jesus' question, “do you love Me?” Remember what He says next: “Feed My sheep, take care of My sheep.” And so let's go out into the world today and take care of God's people wherever we can.