Feed My Sheep
After Peter's failure and restoration, Jesus asks him a simple question, recorded for us in John 21: “Do you love me?”
Three times Peter responds, and each time Jesus gives him a purpose: "Feed my sheep." Jesus charges Peter with the spiritual care, protection and leadership of His people.
I'm struck by the simplicity of Jesus’ calling for all his disciples, including those of us who serve at Barnabas. At the end of the day, our role here isn’t complicated: we get to feed His sheep.
“I’m struck by the simplicity of Jesus’ calling for all his disciples… We get to feed His sheep.”
For some, that’s literal: preparing the abundant meals we delight in together! For others, it looks different: caring for energetic kids, driving ski boats, leading worship, mowing grass, making beds or washing dishes. These tasks appear very different, but they share a common purpose. Each one is an act of care for the people God brings here.
Henri Nouwen says, “When Jesus speaks about shepherding, he does not want us to think about a brave, lonely shepherd … He makes it clear that ministry is a communal and mutual experience.”
This summer, dozens of young adults have arrived at Barnabas Landing to serve alongside our Year-Round Team, volunteers, supporters, and prayer partners. Together, we have the privilege of participating in Christ's invitation: “Feed my sheep."
What a gift it is to share in that work.
