Feeding Sheep

Sunday is going to be a momentous day for my congregation with a new member joining officially and a dear elder and friend saying goodbye as she moves to a new community. Given what’s happening, preaching on John 21 feels more poignant than any other time I’ve worked with this passage.

The disciples are grieving and have gone back to what they know after Jesus’ death. Despite witnessing Him in post-resurrection appearances and being given the Great Commission, they opt to go out and try to catch fish. And Jesus surprises them, showing up on shore and hosting them for breakfast. Again, He models what He wants them to later do, particularly Peter who He takes aside and asks three times if he loves Him and will feed His sheep.

I can’t imagine this moment for Peter of being asked to pledge his love three times, the same number of times he denied even knowing Jesus. There is a trust being placed in him once again even after this betrayal. Jesus is once more embracing him in the role of leader and answers at least some of his questions. He is offering grace and forgiveness.

Our soon-to-be newest member and our elder who is leaving us both model feeding Jesus’ sheep. They exemplify providing physical and spiritual nourishment to our faith family and beyond. They radiate joy and look for God’s hand in what is happening around them. They truly love being with people and bring a sparkle and word of encouragement to everyone. It is truly beautiful to witness Christ living in them.

There are so many hungry sheep, particularly those outside the sheepfold left to wander. It may seem overwhelming to be asked to feed them, as overwhelming as the crowds of four and five thousand in the gospels. And yet those stories model how much can result from offering the little we have to Jesus to use to bless others. We may worry that we don’t have the recipe for the perfect diet for a new Christian. We can forget that Jesus walks with us and the Spirit will give us the words we need.

I believe that we are asked the same questions that Jesus asked Peter, questions that are often asked of those joining a church. Do you love Jesus? Will you help to build His church as you are able, sharing your God-given gifts freely? These questions aren’t a one-time confession but should be revisited often to remind us of what we have promised. While many may have momentos from their baptism as an infant or child, the day we affirmed our faith and trust in God should be just as vital and treasured on our journey.

Somewhat ironically we’re having a potluck after worship, an opportunity to gather the sheep of our current flock and to feed each other. With each household contributing a dish or two we experience rich blessings of delicious food to nourish and sustain us. As we gather at the table we remember our ties to each other in faith and our shared history as God’s people in this particular place. It is truly joyful to be together and eat as beloved children of God.

The questions of Peter are asked of us and we determine our answer. We who profess love of Jesus are challenged to live that out in how we serve those entrusted to our care, including those who are on the margin and outside the sheepfold. We are called to feed those who are hungry and to bring them life in whatever form they need. What an awesome privilege and responsibility.

May we all be able to look back on the ones who fed us in order to bring us to this point in our lives. May we recall and celebrate those who helped us to become strong in faith and to know Christ. May we in turn be more than willing to share the heavenly food we’ve been offered. And may our gratitude and joy be infectious and continue until all have found a place at the table and in the sheepfold..