Why did Jesus command Peter to "feed" His sheep? - Sheep are grazing animals. ???

[St. SteVen]

Peter was a disciple told to feed Jesus' sheep.
In this case, the disciple is the leader and the sheep are followers. (being cared for)

John 21:15-17 NIV
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.”
16 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.”
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.

] cc: @Cyd

 

[Cyd]

Peter was a disciple told to feed Jesus' sheep.
In this case, the disciple is the leader and the sheep are followers. (being cared for)

John 21:15-17 NIV
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.”
16 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.”
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.

] cc: @Cyd

Yes sheep are grazing animals as you wonderfully pointed out on my thread. The reason as you mentioned people didn't have the word of God bible back then, it was read to them. So as I said you mentioned sheep are led to a field to graze and moved to other areas as needed by the Shepherd. Messiah is the Shepherd there is only one, so what separated Peter to be a Herdsman. Isn't that really what pastors are? God has even shown me more since your comment on my thread!! haha Still there is one Shepherd. The Shepherd is protection and goes after lost sheep. The Herdsman moves sheep from field to field. What do you think of that.

Amos 7:14 (KJV) Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

Messiah sent what? Matthew 23:34 (KJV) Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Peter was as all them prophets, I think all his chosen were.

 

[St. SteVen]

... The Herdsman moves sheep from field to field. What do you think of that.

Amos 7:14 (KJV) Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: ...

Not sure if a herdsman moves sheep or cattle, or both. ???

]

 

[PS95]

to add to what Cyd said- Yes pastors feed their sheep. That does not release us from the responsibility of making sure that what they are teaching is correct via the context in the bible & comparing the scriptures as a whole and prayer is also needed. Ultimately, the Good Shepherd is still our ONE teacher today.
There are many false teachers roaming around, and they had already started in the days of the apostles with legalism & gnostism. We still have that today, and we also have teachers who teach licentousness today, just as they were back then. It is all antichrist.

Many on these boards seem to cling to teachings of man and are willing to endlessly argue over non-essential intepretations that are not salvational at all. In those arguments their eyes are taken away from Christ. I think we all need to take a step back and make sure we see that.
Brothers and sisters in Christ arguing over non essentials what Satan wants.
They did it back in the apostles day and were corrected for it;. WHY can't we heed that correction? I am of appollos I am of paul... . its such a shame.

Then -- we have the real FALSE teachers and that is the cults. It's amazing how little the average person knows about these groups of antichrists. They may read a sentence or two & think that these cult members are biblically educated so well-- when nothing is further from the truth! The come as wolves in sheep clothing and we need to have discernment that only comes from the Holy Spirit. They do not have Christ! Anyone can be a bible teacher, and they believe that they are. Yet, do they teach accurately on the BASIC LOVE OF CHRIST IN SIMPLICITY ? No. but it is VERY DECEITFUL and you must be familiar with their tactics. They do not teach Christ at all if they do not Know Him.
You will see tempers flare at times in those debates and the reason is-- we are not fighting against flesh and blood. We are fighting the antichrist spirit that they have received.
I truly hope that made sense to readers. It is a battle of the unseen. Those who are not in these trenches should not be counseling those who are fighting in it about how to do it.
The Lord Jesus & his disciples were not ALWAYS kind and patient.-- "brood of vipers, whitewashed stones, children of satan, etc etc to the false teachers. Paul- "Let them be accursed". "Expose them".. etc
I think I have stated my peace.
Good question, SteVen.

 

[Cyd]

Not sure if a herdsman moves sheep or cattle, or both. ???

]

The more information I find out about sheep herdsman and shepherds they can both be used there is a difference in responsibility
Herder vs. Shepherd — What’s the Difference? The pay range is different also shepherd is higher pay. One of the pictures I had on it was like 4H how they separate out the best and groom and keep them separated from the flock. Could that picture represent a disciple? In other words a disciple is also a sheep but special above other sheep? Interesting all the things re sheep out there.

 

[St. SteVen]

The more information I find out about sheep herdsman and shepherds they can both be used there is a difference in responsibility
Herder vs. Shepherd — What’s the Difference? The pay range is different also shepherd is higher pay. One of the pictures I had on it was like 4H how they separate out the best and groom and keep them separated from the flock. Could that picture represent a disciple? In other words a disciple is also a sheep but special above other sheep? Interesting all the things re sheep out there.

Perhaps. But I'm not sure I like what that implies. God doesn't look at the outward appearance. Even Christ was rather plain.

In Jesus' day and before, a sacrificial lamb was to be spotless. The best animal as an offering.

Isaiah 53:2 NIV
He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

/

 

[Cyd]

Perhaps. But I'm not sure I like what that implies. God doesn't look at the outward appearance. Even Christ was rather plain.

In Jesus' day and before, a sacrificial lamb was to be spotless. The best animal as an offering.

Isaiah 53:2 NIV
He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

/

With sins forgiven you would stand out to me all them. Anyway wait till you hear my morning thus far.. I am waiting to hear again from the Lord I posted my word today and put to be continued hahaha WORD FOR TODAY Desert
Anyway very first verse was this:
Exodus 3:1 (KJV) Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

Here we are talking about the sheep and shepherd and moving.. well what I asked the Father about was this if there was a meaning to "backside of the desert"? Does it mean anything to you?

The other verse that jumped out to me was one I mentioned to you about Job and decreeing which Father wants me to write about and I will but this is the verse:
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV) Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Anyway got to get back to my day let me know how this is setting re talking about sheep and shepherds or if anyone else maybe it means something to you please share.

 

[St. SteVen]

Exodus 3:1 (KJV) Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

Here we are talking about the sheep and shepherd and moving.. well what I asked the Father about was this if there was a meaning to "backside of the desert"? Does it mean anything to you?

I suppose some geography would help. Where is Horeb in relation to Midian?
It seems that God led him a long way away to have his burning bush experience.



/

 

[Cyd]

I suppose some geography would help. Where is Horeb in relation to Midian?
It seems that God led him a long way away to have his burning bush experience.

View attachment 47624

/

haha I went to Florida lol anyway maybe what is being pointed out is the fact that the sheep belonged to the High priest the father-in-law and Moses became the shepherd? or herdsman. I am still waiting on the Lord only thing back side that popped about Moses was that he could only see the back side of God as He passed by. So will continue to wait see if given any words to help point direction.

 

[Cyd]

I suppose some geography would help. Where is Horeb in relation to Midian?
It seems that God led him a long way away to have his burning bush experience.

View attachment 47624

/

To me as I re-read that scripture... Moses took the sheep there?

 

[Wick Stick]

Peter was a disciple told to feed Jesus' sheep.
In this case, the disciple is the leader and the sheep are followers. (being cared for)

John 21:15-17 NIV
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.”
16 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.”
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.

] cc: @Cyd

It can't be seen by reading the English text, but Jesus' third question was different.

The first two times Jesus asked Peter if he ἀγαπᾷς (loves) Him. The third time he asked if he φιλεῖς (loves) Him.

 

[Cyd]

With sins forgiven you would stand out to me all them. Anyway wait till you hear my morning thus far.. I am waiting to hear again from the Lord I posted my word today and put to be continued hahaha WORD FOR TODAY Desert
Anyway very first verse was this:
Exodus 3:1 (KJV) Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

Here we are talking about the sheep and shepherd and moving.. well what I asked the Father about was this if there was a meaning to "backside of the desert"? Does it mean anything to you?

The other verse that jumped out to me was one I mentioned to you about Job and decreeing which Father wants me to write about and I will but this is the verse:
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV) Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Anyway got to get back to my day let me know how this is setting re talking about sheep and shepherds or if anyone else maybe it means something to you please share.

On this post... anyway yesterday I did other word searches well I have my own Bible software, I use biblegateway to allow people to see what I see and post the link... well I clear my word searches on my software each day, and today reminded of one of those searches. The words were "pasture sheep" please look at that list see what you think... back to Moses
Moses took the sheep in the desert to eat that means his father-in-law owner/high priest of Midian was feeding in the desert not pastures. Look at the verses.. does that fit to you? and look what he has there about pastors. Your thoughts?

 

[St. SteVen]

The map shows green areas along the route.
Shepherds probably followed the water when leading the sheep. "You lead me by quiet waters..."
It was a long way to Mt. Horeb, though. Another practice run?

 

[Wick Stick]

The map shows green areas along the route.
Shepherds probably followed the water when leading the sheep. "You lead me by quiet waters..."
It was a long way to Mt. Horeb, though. Another practice run?


View attachment 47706

The Midianites were nomadic, and in addition to herding, they engaged in trade. If we were to put their range on a map, it should be bigger... much bigger. On the map below I've highlighted below, it includes both sides of the Gulf, most of the Spice Route, and extends into Biblical Kush (south of Egypt).

 

[PS95]

It can't be seen by reading the English text, but Jesus' third question was different.

The first two times Jesus asked Peter if he ἀγαπᾷς (loves) Him. The third time he asked if he φιλεῖς (loves) Him.

Great point!!

agapaō -- prefer, to love; for the believer, preferring to "live through Christ" (1 Jn 4:9,10), i.e. embracing God's will (choosing His choices) and obeying them through His power. (agapáō) preeminently refers to what God prefers as He "is love" (1 Jn 4:8,16). (agapē).

then

phileō -- to show warm affection in intimate friendship, characterized by tender, heartfelt consideration and kinship.

 

[St. SteVen]

The Midianites were nomadic, and in addition to herding, they engaged in trade. If we were to put their range on a map, it should be bigger... much bigger. On the map below I've highlighted below, it includes both sides of the Gulf, most of the Spice Route, and extends into Biblical Kush (south of Egypt).

Were they ferrying across the gulf of Aqaba?

]

 

[Wick Stick]

Were they ferrying across the gulf of Aqaba?

]

Land of Punt - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Davy]

Peter was a disciple told to feed Jesus' sheep.
In this case, the disciple is the leader and the sheep are followers. (being cared for)

John 21:15-17 NIV
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.”
16 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.”
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.

] cc: @Cyd

Jesus used the idea of 'sheep' as an analogy for members of His Church. 'My sheep hear My voice" remember?

The word 'pastor' for a teacher of God's Word comes from the idea of a 'pasture', and a rich feeding for the sheep in that pasture.

Thus when Jesus told Peter to "feed My sheep", 3 times, He was commanding Peter to pastor the flock in His Word, i.e., teach the congregation of the body of Christ.

 

[Wick Stick]

Jesus used the idea of 'sheep' as an analogy for members of His Church. 'My sheep hear My voice" remember?

The word 'pastor' for a teacher of God's Word comes from the idea of a 'pasture', and a rich feeding for the sheep in that pasture.

Thus when Jesus told Peter to "feed My sheep", 3 times, He was commanding Peter to pastor the flock in His Word, i.e., teach the congregation of the body of Christ.

The capital-C Church didn't exist yet at the time.

Sheep are used symbolizing Israelites. The metaphor extends further... in Hebrew literature, certain animals are used as symbols of certain nations specifically. Egyptians are 'wolves.' Canaanites are 'dogs.' Ishmael's descendants are 'wild donkeys.' The boar is the emblem of Edom, and the eagle the symbol of Rome.

 

[Cyd]

Peter was a disciple told to feed Jesus' sheep.
In this case, the disciple is the leader and the sheep are followers. (being cared for)

John 21:15-17 NIV
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.”
16 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.”
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.

] cc: @Cyd

SteVen,
Could the reason be that Peter was in danger of going back to his business of being a fisherman?

Luke 22:31-32 (KJV) And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Was Satan trying to get Peter back to his life as a fisherman, a business? So Jesus had to show up? Jesus said He had prayed for him, yet he denied Christ. Now this with going fishing? They had caught no fish... was the Lord trying to tell him, he would fail at fishing and best follow Messiah and be fishers of men as He said?