Read John 21:15-19 

“¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these [other disciples of Jesus]?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.””

Some of humanity’s greatest stories immortalise the significance of someone’s last words. In the gospel of John, we read Jesus’ direct, even bold, last words to Peter who was the first leader of the fledgling family we now call Christians.

After establishing that their relationship is founded upon love, Jesus, referring to the other disciples, directs Peter to “feed My lambs” and “tend my sheep” as an expression of this love. Though not always glamorous or popular, this role as a shepherding, servant leader of other followers of Jesus is the pre-eminent model for the church that came from leaders like Peter.

The earnestness with which Jesus instructed His friend shows that this role is incredibly significant in His mind. Jesus’ command also indicates a simple, uncomfortable principle for even the most mature of His followers – every one of Jesus’ sheep needs a shepherd! Despite the strengths within each of us, we are prone to wander and in need of a human shepherd to constantly guide us back to Jesus’ path. Even in seasons where we are surrounded by a “great bunch of Christian friends”, we often still need someone to guide us in critical moments when we’re vulnerable to prey, sickness or wandering!

Even Christian shepherds, pastors and leaders, need their own shepherd. No matter how thorough the training and development they have gone through, every shepherd is also a sheep. Every pastor still needs their own pastor if they are to stay healthy. Every mature man or woman needs another man or woman to lovingly guide them to a life and faith that nourishes them as Jesus promised it would.

If you’re not sure if your priority is to find a shepherd or to be one, Jesus’ encouragement to Peter to “feed” the “lambs” and “tend” the “sheep” may offer a clue. It may be that Jesus is describing the different degrees of shepherding some need. Some followers are like lambs, they can’t feed themselves and need constant care from a stable, mature shepherd. More mature followers need much less attention, simply to be “checked in on” as they continue to follow Jesus for the long haul.

Reflect on your own spiritual maturity. Are you in need of a Christian community or leader who can lovingly “shepherd” you? Or have you matured over some time and are ready to pray, “God, highlight any sheep around me that you are calling me to humbly shepherd?”