The Shepherd's Concern For the Church

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, always shows singular care and concern for His Flock, His Church. He is ever mindful that His Church is a body of people of multiple differences, but they all need to be fed, to be able to grow and remain healthy unto Him and for Him. Are we being told and shown that Jesus’ emphasis, His concern for His flock, is that they be fed? 

Again, we are led to Peter, the revelation, the rock, on which every promise of Jesus about His Church is grounded, rooted and founded. On one of the many occasions when the Risen Jesus went about to His disciples and others, I might add, showing Himself to them, and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive, Acts 1: 3b, this transpired. Jesus appeared to some of the disciples as they had just come from fishing and He invited them to share breakfast with Him, right there on the beach.

It was after this miraculous feasting that Jesus turned squarely to Peter, giving him his full title of Simon, Son of John,  and asked him if he loved Him more than these. I can just see and hear Peter, as he was deeply moved with love and told Jesus that He knows that he loves Him. It is at this point that Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” John 21: 15b

Jesus asks Peter the same love question a second time, asking Peter if he truly loves Him. Peter responds in similar manner, telling Jesus yes, that he loves Him and that Jesus knows that he does indeed love Him. Jesus then tells Peter, “Take care of my sheep.”  John 21: 16b

However, Jesus, in His inimitable way, asks Peter a third time, if he loves Him, not because He doubts Peter’s responses in the least bit. Jesus knew the perfect leadership role He was reinforcing, cementing and celebrating in Peter and all Peters, whoever His servants may be. The third time Jesus asks Peter the same love question, Simon, Son of John, do you love me? Peter feels deeply hurt. All he says to Jesus is this. Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said, Feed my sheep. John 21: 17b. 

Does this not inform us and reveal to us in no uncertain terms that Jesus’ deep heart concern is for His flock, His Church, His bride, to be fed? His desire is for His sheep, regardless of how mature or immature they are, to be all fed by His chosen leaders. In reinstating Peter to a role of service, Jesus tells him that if he loves Him, if he truly loves Him, he must:-

Feed His lambs.

Take care of His sheep.

Feed His sheep.   

Does Jesus only mean a physical work of service? Is He only concerned with the physical needs of His Church? You and I know that Jesus is speaking of a Spiritual feeding also, for He, the Head of the Church, the One sure foundation of the Church, knows exactly how He wants His Church, His flock to be and this only is possible if all His sheep, young and old are fed and cared for as He orders. Now here is the mystery, here is the exposed heart of Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd of His sheep, but who is also the Proud Bridegroom of His beloved wife, the Church. Does Jesus truly love the Church? And since Church is a plural noun and a singular noun, all in one, the question is, does Jesus love you?

We continue in this vein, tomorrow.