Our Commissioning
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be able to love you by serving you. Amen.
READ:
“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.” The third time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17 NIV
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And, surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
REFLECT:
The last picture we have of Peter before the crucifixion was of him denying Jesus, realizing his grave sin, and weeping bitterly in remorse. In the Luke 24 passage, we see how Jesus gently restores Peter to the ministry before him. Again, Jesus gives him the charge three times, each with a little different information about Peter’s future responsibility/charge. G. Campbell Morgan in his commentary on this passage, states, “The qualification for feeding the lambs and shepherding the sheep is that of love of the Lord. But do not let us forget that the love he seeks, is the love of absolute devotion.”
Once Jesus has set the qualification for serving him, he then proceeds to give Peter his charge. The Life Application Bible says it is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is your willingness to serve him. Jesus gives Peter his charge and that is to: “Feed My Lambs”, “Shepherd My Sheep, and “Feed My Sheep.” Feeding the lambs and sheep meant to provide the children and adults with the teachings they needed to build their faith in Jesus. With the sheep widely scattered after the crucifixion they would need the shepherding to bring them back together and care for their needs. Again, the Life Application Bible states, “Peter’s occupation had changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity from impetuous to rock; and his relationship to Jesus changed—he was forgiven.”
APPLY:
Peter had to confront his true feelings. How would you respond to Jesus’ question, “Do you love me?” If you say yes, then you will serve him by fulfilling the “Great Commission” he gave in Matthew 28:18-20.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord help me serve you by fulfilling your great commission to the lost in my world. Amen.