Third Time

John 21:12-16 – Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 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.” 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.”

John 20:22 – And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 5:2-3 – 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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Ezekiel 34:1-2 – The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Application:

• ·         The disciples needed God’s help to carry out the commission they had just been given.
• ·         Peter is fulfilling Christ’s command to feed His sheep as he writes 1 Peter.
• ·         “Shepherds of Israel” were those responsible for providing leadership, especially the kings and their officials, but also the prophets and priests.
• ·         Jesus said that the good shepherd is willing to die for His sheep.

All Scripture verses taken from NIV