How can we apply the command to "tend My sheep" in our lives? Setting the Scene “Jesus said to him again a second time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love Me?’ … ‘Tend My sheep.’” (John 21:16) The risen Lord restores Peter and immediately links love for Him with practical care for His people. That same call reaches every follower who confesses, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” What “Tend” Means • The Greek term (poimainō) means to shepherd—feeding, guiding, protecting, and nurturing. • It is active and continuous, not a one-time gesture. • It presumes ownership: the sheep belong to Christ; we serve as under-shepherds (1 Peter 5:2-4). Who the Sheep Are • Fellow believers in our local church family (Acts 20:28). • Followers of Christ worldwide, especially the vulnerable, isolated, or persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). • Seekers and wanderers Jesus intends to bring into the fold (John 10:16). Daily Ways to Tend His Sheep Feeding with the Word • Share Scripture in conversation, study groups, texts, or social media posts. • Encourage personal Bible reading; offer tools and accountability (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Guarding from Danger • Lovingly confront false teaching when it surfaces (Acts 20:29-31). • Model sound doctrine and discernment; recommend trustworthy resources (Titus 1:9). Guiding Toward Maturity • Mentor newer believers, guiding them through prayer, stewardship, and service (Colossians 1:28). • Invite others to join you in ministry opportunities—discipleship is caught as well as taught. Caring for Practical Needs • Visit the sick or lonely; deliver meals; run errands (James 2:15-16). • Contribute to benevolence funds; support missionaries; advocate for the oppressed (Proverbs 31:8-9). Bearing Burdens • Listen without hurry; pray on the spot (Galatians 6:2). • Celebrate victories and mourn losses together (Romans 12:15). Rescuing the Straying • Pursue those drifting from fellowship; extend grace and truth (James 5:19-20). • Restore gently, watching yourself to avoid temptation (Galatians 6:1). The Heart Behind the Task • Love for Christ fuels love for His people; nurture that love through worship and obedience (John 14:15). • Remember the cross—the Good Shepherd laid down His life; under-shepherds lay down convenience, pride, and fear (John 10:11). • Anticipate the reward: “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4) Starting Today • Ask the Lord to show you one sheep to feed, guard, guide, care for, or rescue this week. • Take the next practical step in faith, trusting that tending His sheep is inseparable from loving Him. |
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