Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Commission of the Risen Lord: Shepherding People

Bible Reading:   John 21:15-19

Key Verse: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. John 21:17


DEVOTION

Peter denied Jesus three times - after confidently declaring he never would. And when Jesus was crucified, Peter’s hopes likely died along with Him. But in St. John 21, records something incredible. The risen Christ appears - not with a lecture, not with a list of Peter’s sins - but with breakfast on the beach and a question that would change Peter’s life forever: “Do you love me?” This passage is more than a moment of personal redemption - it’s a glimpse into the very heart of the Risen Lord. Jesus doesn’t just restore Peter; He recommissions him. And in doing so, He shows us that shepherding others is not just a task - it's the overflow of a heart that’s been redeemed.
Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” (vs. 15-17). Each question echoes Peter’s threefold denial - but not to shame him. Rather, it’s an invitation to reaffirm love where fear once reigned. Jesus doesn’t begin by asking, “Peter, will you lead well?” or “Peter, will you be faithful this time?” He asks, “Do you love me?” Why? Because shepherding others - whether in ministry, mentoring, leadership, or friendship - does not begin with our competency. It begins with our love for Jesus. Real shepherding flows from relationship, not resume. It’s rooted in the deep conviction that Christ’s love has changed us - and now, out of that transformation, we tend to others. Jesus doesn’t lower the bar. He still calls Peter to feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. But this responsibility is always tethered to the first love. When our ministry to others grows disconnected from our love for Jesus, it becomes empty duty. But when we lead from the place of being deeply loved and forgiven, our shepherding becomes grace-filled and genuine.
After recommissioning Peter, Jesus foretold Peter’s martyrdom (vs 18). It also shows that shepherding requires sacrificial love. True shepherding is not glamorous or comfortable. It means pouring ourself out for others, even when it costs something - our time, plans, energy, and preferences. And yet, this is the way of Jesus - the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). To shepherd is to walk alongside people through their mess, to hold space for their questions, to lead with patience, and sometimes to be misunderstood or even rejected. But Jesus says, “Follow me” (v. 19). Following Jesus into a life that gives itself away. In a culture that champions autonomy and self-expression, Jesus calls us to something higher - not a self-centered freedom, but a Christ-centered surrender. This is not a burdensome calling - it’s a meaningful one. Because when we lay down our lives in love, we participate in the very mission of Christ.
 

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help us to be faithful shepherds willing to walk with others in love, truth and grace.  In Jesus’ name we pray Amen.


Thought for the day

Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love - Mother Teresa
                                                        
Rev. Anoop Jacob Abraham
Kulathummal Immanuel MTC, Kerala

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