ESOCS Devotional 19 March 2023
TEXT: JOHN 21:15-25
MEMORY VERSE: “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 21:17 NLT
John 21:15-25 provides a key link into the development of the early church and its leaders. The epilogue in John 21 not only provides encouragement and clarification on the disciples’ appointments and roles by Christ, but connects the gospel era with the early church. Most commonly known is the three “Do you love me?” statements by Jesus to Peter.
This chapter at once reminds His key disciples to continue the work He has called them to and affirms before others their appointment by Christ.
Peter is being called to tenderly care for the needy lambs.
God’s people are referred to as sheep in a number places throughout the scriptures with good or bad shepherds.
Jesus used this concept to largely define the need of God’s people for a shepherd and the need for good shepherds to care for Jesus’ sheep.
“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, to shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-3).
God’s people need special care because they tend to wander like the Old Testaments saints of old.
Our role will be different, but in a similar way we as His disciples are called into an intimate relationship with the resurrected Christ to serve Him here on earth.
Jesus not only restores and reestablishes the disciples as leaders of this new people of God, but by his words with Peter shapes the character of the ministry. Jesus is the True Shepherd, but the disciples need to do shepherding. They are commissioned to feed and care for the people of God.
- Do you love the Lord enough as his minister?
- Oh Lor help me play my role in the shepherding of thy flock to thy glory/ Amen
FURTHER READING: Exodus 32:1-35; 33:7-23; Romans 13:1–14
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 19 March 2023
