October 11, 2026

Feed My Sheep

Remember when Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him?  It’s in John 21:17.  “A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” 

This is certainly a lead-in to the Great Commission where Jesus sends the Disciples out into the world to tell His story.  These disciples were much changed by this time, they had witnessed the parables, the miracles, people healed and even raised from the dead.  It is excruciating to read the viewpoints of the crucifixion. I once went to the Easter Service at Kevin Gerald’s church in Tacoma Washington, and as the actors pounded nails into Jesus’ palms, I had to look away.  To see it, knowing what we know today about Jesus, it is unbearable. We think if we had been there we would not have participated. But in all likelihood, we would have because there was great deception in people’s hearts and minds. Otherwise, we could never have received the saving redemption Jesus gave to us!

Knowing God has His eye on us is a comfort in hard times. Because we are given free choice it is difficult to understand how all our actions are written in advance. God knows which path we will follow. Always. Because seeing into tomorrow is what God does.

On this rock we have built a church! So many questions we cannot answer. Thousands of years of prophecy. Every Word God spoke through the prophets proved to be true eventually.  I have few doubts the end times are upon us and Jesus will return as He said He would.

Feed my sheep. Easy. Except the sheep bite. They reject. They mock. Exactly. I’m guessing they did that to Jesus too. And yet He didn’t give up. In the face of rejection He literally gave His all, His life for them.

Father God, Help me be a better feeder of the sheep.  I get caught up in the tasks of being a church lady and I can forget the goal is the harvest.  You’re planning a feast for Your beloved and I am sent to bring them in. I pray, Father, for eager listeners, for ready souls who seek You with excitement. 

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Matthew 9:36