Feed My Sheep

[Thursday]

Why did Jesus say "Feed My Sheep" three times to Peter?

John 21:15-17
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. 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. 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.

Because Peter was chosen to lead the Church. Peter was also given the keys to the Kingdom.

 

[John Davidson]

Because Peter was chosen to lead the Church. Peter was also given the keys to the Kingdom.

So Peter is the only one responsible to feed the sheep?

 

[W2L]

Feed my sheep. Jesus said his blood and flesh are real food, and to do gods will are his food. The number three may indicate the cross perhaps, and Jesus was crucified with two others making it a total of three. I don't know, I'm just speculating, pondering it

 

[Thursday]

So Peter is the only one responsible to feed the sheep?

He has the primary responsibility as leader of the Church. He is also told to strengthen the brethren.

 

[W2L]

So Peter is the only one responsible to feed the sheep?

No, but the triple command does seem to mean something significant. I'm only speculating.

 

[John Davidson]

He has the primary responsibility as leader of the Church.

So why did Paul say that he labored more?

 

[~Anastasia~]

I go to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Ok. But then doesn't the clergy prepare and distribute the Eucharist, and pronounce general forgiveness? Might he not be the one congregants seek out for help when they need spiritual guidance?

 

[Thursday]

So why did Paul say that he labored more?

I have no idea. Maybe he worked harder than Peter.

 

[John Davidson]

Ok. But then doesn't the clergy prepare and distribute the Eucharist, and pronounce general forgiveness? Might he not be the one congregants seek out for help when they need spiritual guidance?

Yes, but the Pastor isn't the only one responsible for these tasks. The Elders also distribute the Eucharist.

It doesn't mean that the responsibility of the other members of the congregation to minister is negated.

 

[John Davidson]

I have no idea. Maybe he worked harder than Peter.

Because Paul knew that he also had a responsibility to feed the sheep as do all believers.

 

[W2L]

So why did Paul say that he labored more?

I would need to look up that scripture and study/meditate on it. Jesus did say to labor for food that doesn't perish, and paul did say he wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, being made comfortable unto his death

 

[W2L]

Because Paul knew that he also had a responsibility to feed the sheep as do all believers.

I have fed on pauls doctrine, and found that it is good for my soul.

 

[Thursday]

Because Paul knew that he also had a responsibility to feed the sheep as do all believers.

Who are the sheep if not believers?

Do you disagree that Jesus gave Peter a unique authority?

 

[John Davidson]

Who are the sheep if not believers?

Do you disagree that Jesus gave Peter a unique authority?

Peter was an apostle. I don't believe that he was the first Pope.

But my point is he is not the only one responsible to feed the sheep. It is the job of all believers to minister.

 

[Thursday]

Peter was an apostle.

But my point is he is not the only one responsible to feed the sheep. It is the job of all believers to minister.

That's true to a point. However, we don't all get to make our own message. We are to follow the message of those sent by Jesus.

Jesus only started one Church.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Yes, but the Pastor isn't the only one responsible for these tasks. The Elders also distribute the Eucharist.

It doesn't mean that the responsibility of the other members of the congregation to minister is negated.

Ok. But my point is that not just any member shows up and consecrates the Eucharist. We have different roles, different responsibilities. Just because I don't consecrate the Eucharist doesn't mean that I do nothing to feed others. But by the same token, just because I have a responsibility to feed and minister to others in some capacities doesn't mean that I can go into the altar and take over the Liturgy. (God forbid!)

There is order, and purpose, and we all have responsibilities.

I'm not sure what we seem to be disagreeing on.

 

[John Davidson]

However, we don't all get to make our own message. We are to follow the message of those sent by Jesus.

Obviously, but feeding the sheep isn't only about a message. It's also about loving your neighbor and doing good to him.

I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was sick or in prison and you visited me, I was naked and you clothed me.

 

[John Davidson]

Ok. But my point is that not just any member shows up and consecrates the Eucharist. We have different roles, different responsibilities. Just because I don't consecrate the Eucharist doesn't mean that I do nothing to feed others. But by the same token, just because I have a responsibility to feed and minister to others in some capacities doesn't mean that I can go into the altar and take over the Liturgy. (God forbid!)

There is order, and purpose, and we all have responsibilities.

I'm not sure what we seem to be disagreeing on.

I agree.

 

[Thursday]

Obviously, but feeding the sheep isn't only about a message. It's also about loving your neighbor and doing good to him.

I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was sick or in prison and you visited me, I was naked and you clothed me.

In this respect I agree with you. However, I think Jesus was giving Simon a unique role in the Church.

He changed his name, he gave him the keys to the Kingdom, he told him to strengthen the brethren, and he told him to feed his sheep three times. Peter was also given the revelation directly from God about the status of the gentiles in the Church, he gave the first sermon after Pentecost, and he baptized the first gentile convert.

 

[W2L]

John 4:32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

Revelation 2:17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.