December 30

Follow Me

When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” — John 21:15-16 BSB

Peter’s restoration teaches us several important lessons. The first is that the essential quality in any Christian worker is love for Christ. Wisdom and eloquence alone are not enough. Some speak of having a “passion for souls,” but what is truly needed is a passion for Christ. As a great missionary once said, “I have but one passion, and that is He.” When we love Christ with all our hearts, then—and only then—are we ready to do His work. Jesus will not entrust the care of His flock to anyone who doesn’t truly love Him. “Do you love me?” must come before “Feed my lambs.”

Another lesson for workers is that their duty is to feed the souls in their care. Their aim should not be entertainment but spiritual nourishment. And what is the food for souls? Nothing but Christ Himself. The way to feed others is to open up the Word of God, revealing Christ so that people may come to love Him, trust Him, and obey Him. We must be sure to give true spiritual food—Christ and His Word—to those we seek to nourish.

Christ’s command to Peter wasn’t just to feed the sheep, but also to tend them, meaning to care for them as a shepherd would. This involves loving, protecting, guiding, and providing for them. Caring for souls is the most important and responsible work in the world. This responsibility doesn’t rest only on pastors; it belongs to all parents, teachers, and Christians. We must not take this task lightly. It would be a terrible thing if, through our negligence, any soul were to be harmed or lost. These are Christ’s lambs and sheep, and we are entrusted with their care—we must be faithful.