1 Peter 5
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loves Him. Peter reaffirmed his love for Jesus over and again.
Jesus told Peter to “feed His lambs”, “tend His sheep” and “feed His sheep” (John 21: 15-17). This was amongst the very last instructions of Jesus before His resurrection.
The lambs are referred to young believers (in both physical and spiritual sense). The sheep could be referred to brethren who are under our care (for e.g. most likely due to certain ministerial roles entrusted to us); or simply, the brother or sister who sits beside you in the service. Basically, we are the sheep.
In this Chapter that we’re reading today, we see that Peter encouraged the church elders of the same – to shepherd the flock; and set out good examples to the flock.
While this message in I Peter seems to be directed only at the ministers of the church, we can in fact apply the teaching of feeding and tending the sheep in our Christian life. In John 21, Jesus tells us what it really means when we say we love Him.
Our love for Jesus is measured by the way we minister, love and care for others.
Jesus, being the Chief Shepherd, has set out the examples and requirements of a good shepherd. In John 10: 1-16, we read that a good shepherd is someone who:
- enters the sheepfold by the door (v2)
- calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (v3)
- goes before the sheep (v4)
- gives his life / sacrifice for the sheep (v11)
- brings / guides other sheep who do not belong to the existing fold (v16)
Jesus is the door of the sheep (v7), who, in only Him the sheep will find life (i.e. the pasture). Regardless of the role that we play in church or society, our ultimate aim is to bring / lead / guide the people to God. This does not only mean preaching the Words to your friends and neighbor, but also being the good children of God. In doing so, we shine forth the love of God, which would lead the lost sheep home.
How much do you care?
There were certain times when I was so physically and mentally drained that I did not even have the energy to care for myself. Genuine care requires love, wisdom, and understanding of God’s teaching and His love for us. A good shepherd knows his sheep well. There could be 10, 100 or 300 in the flock, the shepherd knows them all. He leads the sheep with love, to the point of great sacrifice.
Majority of our resources (time, effort, energy) are usually spent on our own agenda and most likely people whom we love (family, closest friends, buddy). Have we tried to care for others, who belong to the flock and those of whom we come to interact often (e.g. your classmates, colleagues, neighbours)?
Too often we heard – “I don’t even have time for myself….”
Try to reach out beyond your usual comfort zone, you may find how effortless (in terms of energy spent) it could be to care for others. But the true joy and peace that you feel will be priceless. This is also one of the ways for us to grow in our love for God.
There are so many sheep out there who are lost, disheartened, hurt, sick and drafting away. Put it on your to-do list to reach out to one person every week – it could be someone who hasn’t come to church for a long time, your classmate of whom you want to share the gospel with, or a co-worker who is facing some difficulties – spend time to understand their issues and then most importantly, to pray for them.
I pray that we would find the love, courage and wisdom to continue loving and caring for others around us.
Have a blessed Sabbath.
