John 21:15-19
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
1 Peter 5
New International Version (NIV)
To the Elders and the Flock
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Daniel’s Thoughts:
Peter one of the founders of the church here is called into his
role as the Shepherd of the flock. Jesus asks Peter 3 times Do you love me?
Peter is hurt that Jesus asks again.
But the call to leadership is a very serious one. I think I took
my invitation to leadership too lightly. Leadership in the kingdom is
different. Not all are meant to be leaders or teachers and as teachers we will
be held to a higher standard.
In InterVarsity the invitation to leadership is serious, but I don’t
think it is serious enough. Jesus looks at Peter and asks him Do you love me
and each time he responds he tells him to feed and care for his (Jesus) sheep.
For Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but he trusts his sheep into our care as leaders.
I think I can imagine a little of the guilt and hurt that Peter feels when
Jesus asks a third time.
As if that was not enough Jesus tells Peter that he will die like
himself on a cross, and yet he still invites Peter to Follow me! The invitation
is not light, Jesus questions Peter and warns him of what is to come. I know I
am often afraid to tell people the whole story of what leadership will cost,
because I am afraid they will say no. But what is they don’t live into what it
means to be a shepherd of the flock Jesus gave them.
1 Peter 5 thoughts:
The second section shows how God has changed and made Peter into a good and wise shepherd. Peter the one who was called to leadership and challenged to love Jesus sheep is now the one inviting and teaching other leaders what it means to be a good shepherd and take care of the flock God has given to you. Peter gets it now, Jesus loves his sheep and entrusts them to our care. It is our responsibility to care for them, not because of a title or obligation but because we want to lead them. As the shepherd we need to set the example and lean into God's plan bringing our flock with us.
The call of leadership is a blessing and a great responsibility. I know that I sometimes lose sight of this and start to worry about numbers or details instead of loving the people God has put under my leadership. Also I ask myself am I the leader I should be? Am I a good example of a mature follower of Christ? No I am broken in many ways, but God still uses me and I am growing and trying. But I believe the call to leadership has changed me and God has grown me so much to become more of the man of God he wants me to be and the leader that I need to be for God's flock under my care.
We have to remember the cost of following Jesus and the cost of leading in his kingdom. Jesus asks Peter 3 times, because leading his flock would take perseverance and cost Peter everything as he dies for our Lord. We will have to sacrifice for God and for our flock. We will have to change our hearts and our lives. But I want to because it is worth it and I believe God has called me. I want to see God's kingdom come here around me and in the lives of the people I lead.
Daniel’s
Prayer:
Please use me to take care of your flock
and to bring a little of your kingdom here!
I know the cost of leadership
I also know the joy!
As I step into your call to ministry
make me into a shepherd like Peter
for he was foolish but you called and equipped him
Remind me of the responsibility of leadership
that I would take seriously this role
and rely on you in my ministry
Amen
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