Gospels In Harmony – Part 140, Feed My Lambs and My Sheep

John 21:15-25

[Study Aired May 23, 2023]

John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
John 21:13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.
John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. 
John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 
John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
John 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
John 21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

After the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus instructs His disciples to bring some of the fish they caught. This signifies the abundance of provision that comes from following Christ. The elect are called to bring to others the spiritual nourishment we have received.

John 21:15: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

Jesus questions Peter’s love for Him, and Peter affirms his love. In response, Jesus instructs Peter to, “Feed my lambs.” This command signifies our duty to care for and nurture new believers, those who are young and vulnerable in their faith.

1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

1Co 3:1-2 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Th 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Tit 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

These verses emphasize the need to supply care, guidance, and nurturing to young believers, who are likened to newborn babies or children in the faith. It is essential to feed them with the “milk” of God’s Word, protect them from harm, and set an example of love and godliness. It is the responsibility of mature believers to teach, mentor, and support younger believers in their spiritual growth and development. The lambs feed on milk until the time of weaning is complete.

John 21:16: He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus repeats His question, and Peter again confirms his love. Jesus then commands Peter to, “Feed my sheep.” This broader instruction extends to all maturing believers, emphasizing the responsibility to care for and supply spiritual nourishment to the entire flock of God’s people.

Eph 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Heb 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Gal 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The above verses give guidance on how to care for a maturing Christian, including equipping, exhorting, restoring, supporting, comforting, edifying, and utilizing our spiritual gifts to serve one another. They emphasize the importance of fellowship, encouragement, and the shared responsibility to nurture the spiritual growth of believers.

John 21:17: He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus asks Peter for the third time if he loves Him, and Peter responds in the affirmative once again. This repetition highlights the significance of the command and shows the depth of Peter’s love and commitment. Jesus reaffirms His command to Peter, emphasizing the importance of tending to and caring for His sheep.

The duty to “feed my sheep” extends beyond Peter and applies to all the elect. As the elect, we are called to nurture and feed fellow believers, supplying spiritual guidance, support, and encouragement. This duty involves teaching, mentoring, and serving one another, just as a shepherd tends to the needs of the flock.

Rom 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
John 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Being the called and chosen we will mature in faith; we are called to surrender our own will and rely on Christ to guide and lead us.

When Jesus speaks of Peter stretching forth his hands and being carried where he would not choose to go, it symbolizes the surrender of one’s own desires and preferences to follow God’s will. It represents a shift from self-reliance to dependence on Christ, acknowledging His authority and guidance in our lives.

As we grow in spiritual maturity, we learn to trust in God’s wisdom and direction, even when it may lead us outside our comfort zones or along paths we would not have chosen for ourselves. This surrender and dependence on Christ gives Him the opportunity to shape and mold our lives according to His divine plan. This is “signifying by what death he should glorify God.”

Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

As we mature in our faith, we are called and chosen to surrender our will and depend on Christ. We are given a need for trust, self-denial, taking up our cross, and conforming to God’s will rather than our own desires. This is the death of the old man.

John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
John 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
John 21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Peter will come to learn, as we all must, that Christ causes us both to die and live. We are commanded to feed the lambs and the sheep. We feed them by living the life of Christ and dying to self.

In conclusion, as the elect, we are entrusted with the duty to “feed my lamb and my sheep”. This encompasses caring for believers at different stages of their walk in faith, nurturing their spiritual growth, and providing them with the nourishment of God’s Word and the love of Christ. Through our love, guidance, and service, we fulfill our responsibility to tend to the flock of God, proving the love of Christ and advancing His Kingdom.

2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Heb 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Php 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.