WATCHWORD:
15 Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Meditation:
A Lenten Message: Feed My Sheep
In Chapter 17 of A Life for Barabbas, there is a scene where Barabbas, standing at the top of a sand dune, looking down at the beach on the Sea of Galilee and sees Jesus alive for the first time since Calvary. It is from this vantage point that he witnesses the “feed my sheep” forgiveness conversation between Jesus and Peter. It would be much later before Barabbas understands fully the meaning of that phrase.
How about this reenactment: “Stanley, son of Nathan Ellsworth, do you love me more than these?” I reply, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus then says, “Feed my sheep.”
That is a conversation that Jesus has with each one of us. Like Peter, we have denied our Lord in so many ways in which we have lived our lives, and Jesus meets us on the beach of our regrets and asks us if we love Him. From our behavior, it doesn’t seem like we do. But, we say, “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” Then, the puzzling answer in His forgiveness: “Feed my sheep.”
Later, within a few days, they will hear Jesus make still another puzzling statement and a promise to all of them and us, “Go and make disciples of all nations” and “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
What do they, what do we, make of that? How do you and I feed Jesus’ sheep? How would Peter do that? As for the next one, making disciples of all nations, that sounds like work for a “super-pastor”, not me, a sinner, barely saved by grace, despite the belief that He will be with me always.
There is a book by J.B. Phillips, published in 1958 entitled, “Your God Is Too Small”. The author makes the case that our tendency is to underestimate both God and our own meager power in God’s hands.
“In God’s hands”, is the key. How do we feed his sheep? Trust Him. How do we make disciples? Trust Him. Do you believe that He will be with you in all that you do, or need to do, to the end of the age? Trust Him.
Trusting Him is easy and it is hard. The hard part is getting beyond yourself, your pride, your tendency not to need help from anyone, let alone the Creator of the Universe. But then you hear, “Do you love Me more than yourself, more than your pride, more than these?” In your “Yes, Lord” answer is surrender, joy and peace. Bring on the sheep! Amen.
Bulletin Board:
The Season of Lent is upon us. Might I suggest that during these 40 days leading up to Easter and the Resurrection, that you read my book, A Life for Barabbas. I wrote it with Lent in mind, and speculated what happens when we are touched by Jesus. While the research into factual events and characters makes this historic fiction, it is not a scholarly work. It is a fun read, and the Biblical facts scattered throughout, just might open your mind to the life and times of first century Jerusalem. Enjoy.
Closing Prayer:
Dear God, it is with intention and awareness that we offer this prayer. We look around and see beloved faces among our family and friends, and even strangers. Guide us to grow in love so that as we look around the world, we see the beloved faces of the sheep of your flock. May we keep our eyes open to the need and ache in the world around us and respond with love and care, because we love you. Amen.
