Feed My Sheep

John 21:15-17, NIV

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 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.


The disciples of Jesus threw a net all night, but they caught nothing. They were lost without Jesus. Being unable to catch any fish, they were just casting a net of despair.

1. The disciples who have left away from Jesus (Jn 21:2-3)
Even after they met the resurrected Jesus, the disciples abandoned their dreams and hope and returned to their livelihood of three years ago. Peter returned to the place where he had first received the calling from Jesus. Peter once worked with great passion for Jesus. He always listened to the words and teachings of Jesus and witnessed many miracles. However, when his hope was dashed, Peter was plunged into despair and left Jesus to return to his former lifestyle. He threw a net all night but failed to catch any fish (Jn 21:3). Anyone who is away from Jesus is bound to end up in failure. If we are not with the Lord, our ability, experience, and enthusiasm will all become an empty net. God never gives fish to those who turn their back against God, disobey his words, and abandon their callings.

2. Jesus who solves trouble (Jn 21:5-6)
To Jesus his disciples looked like thoughtless children because, without knowing what to do or where to go, they were making vain attempts throughout the night. The Lord asked His disciples, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” Then He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat.” When the disciples obeyed Jesus’ word, they were able to catch a large number of fish. Is your boat empty? Even today Jesus comes to visit us and asks us if we have any trouble in our business, home, and human relationships. He tells us to live according to the Word of God, not to our own judgment. If we obey God, God will perform a miracle to fill our empty boat (1Sa 15:22).

3. Jesus who comforts (Jn 21:12-13)
For Peter and other disciples who were exhausted from fishing all night, Jesus made fire with charcoal and said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Jesus did not find fault with His disciples but embraced them with His love. Having confirmed the love of the Lord, Peter was able to dispel his guilty conscience. Jesus knows our weaknesses. Despite our vulnerability, the Lord loves us, gives us new strength, and helps us to restore our joy, passion, and happiness.

4. Jesus who asks for the feeding of His lambs (Jn 21:15-17)
When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Peter a question three times, “Do you truly love me?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” The Lord gave Peter, who had denied Him three times, a chance to confess his love for Jesus and healed Peter’s wound of betrayal. Jesus gave Peter a second chance and a mission. Peter was changed on that day. He became a leader of the Early Church in charge of Christian revival after the Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Our faults, shortcomings, and failure are of little concern to God. The Lord wants us to confess that we love Him just as Peter did and to make a new start to fulfill the mission given to us.

There is nothing we can do if we are away from the Lord. Is there any moment in your life that you are away from the Lord? I pray that your empty net may be filled again by obeying God’s Word and that you may be provided with new strength to fulfill your mission by your fellowship with the Lord on the table of His love.