Feed My Lambs

Intro:

Question One: “Do you love (agape) me more than these?”

Might have been a surprising or even awkward question.

Peter tended to boast of his commitment before the other disciples (e.g., 13:37). ( The Lutheran Study Bible)

Peter’s reply: “Yes, Lord; you know that I love (phileo) you.”

Jesus’ message: “Feed my lambs”

Lambs

Feed with what? The Word of God, the Gospel

Going from Cokato to Sidney. Most things didn’t translate/work or weren’t relevant, but it was the same ministry.

Job description: “Love kids in the Name of Jesus”

Many other books, programs, techniques, skills, etc. can be helpful (though not always) but only one thing can feed their souls and give them eternal life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Don’t get it twisted. Don’t get lost in the many things to try. Don’t lose your anchor, your foundation.

Question Two: “Do you love (agape) me?”

Is Peter starting to get worried? Why is He asking me again? Does he doubt my love for him? Does he doubt my love for His lambs?

Peter’s reply: “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”

Jesus’ message: “Tend my sheep”

Overseer/shepherd

Picking up a youth from drug rehab after getting kicked out.

Steve Walswick bible study group

Question Three: “Do you love (phileo) me?”

Peter’s reply: ““Lord, you know everything; you know that I love (phileo) you.”

English Standard Version Chapter 21

Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?”

It must have hurt to have him ask so many times. What have I done to lose the trust of my Savior?

I can only imagine that with this 3rd question he immediately remember how he had so recently denied Jesus 3 times. Remember how their eyes met when that cock crowed?

Have we failed Jesus?

Like a flopped clay jar spilling off the potter’s wheel after tottering and wobbling?

Conviction about not feeding Jesus’ lambs during COVID

We each have, and we ought to bring those sins and faillures to Jesus and confess them like Peter (and unlike Judas)

Jesus’ message: “Feed my sheep”

Notice that Jesus’ doesn’t send Peter away or shame him for past sins that have been forgiven, but calls this sinner into the ministry of the Gospel

Craig Larson, “God knows Craig Dean Larson.... and He loves him!”

Even we are are “short & dumpy.” He made us. He made us in His image and crafted us and he loves us.

God works with broken, mangled clay pots like us and uses us for His gracious purposes

Pastor Haugen preaching at my installation. “He is going to fail you. Love him. Be gracious to him. Let the LORD work despite his weaknesses or even through them.”

Jim Bjork the potter, “Our weakness, who we really are, let the kids see it. This is incarnational ministry. Jesus in me shown to the world.” (2 Cor. 4 and the ministry of reconciliation)

Slip in the cracks with the kids and get next to them.

God’s plan for you

For Peter

English Standard Version Chapter 21

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

Death on a cross as a martyr

Different than John

English Standard Version Chapter 21

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Unique for you (don’t compare)

God knows your future and has a plan for you

God’s call to you

Through life and your unique calling

To death... and all the other difficulties/enemies you face in this fallen world

Through death - as Jesus had hung on a cross before Peter did, Jesus led the way through death and the grave and out the other side!

To heaven (ascension of Christ)

Conclusion:

The love of Jesus, the eternal life giving food of God is our hope and strength.

God calls us to share that love with those entrusted to us, and to feed them with that same Word.

Prayer: may we love Jesus and those whom He loves. May we remain faithful to sharing the Gospel of Jesus finished work. May we trust our Savior as He leads us through life and ministry, through death and every affliction, and on to our home in heaven.