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

[St. SteVen]

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

The outpouring at Pentecost took care of that. Who stepped up to preach on that day? In Acts chapter one there were 120 in the upper room. In Acts chapter two, Peter took the lead. And I think God can use fishermen (fisher-persons? - LOL) He can use any of us where we are. The Apostle Paul worked as a tent-maker. And today we have tent-maker ministries.

]

 

[Episkopos]

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

Sheep are dumb animals. They don't have any way of perceiving the danger they are in for being weak and not too smart. A shepherd leads them and protects them. Spiritually speaking, we are also weak and as dumb as sheep. We have no idea of the spiritual dangers we are exposed to in a world run by the devil. But we can follow our Shepherd Jesus Christ who leads us to a safe pasture.

 

[Davy]

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.

Yes, the 'concept' of Church did... already exist at Christ's first coming. What you are espousing is simply a doctrine of men that like to argue over when Christ's Church began. That's a silly argument because notice what Apostle Paul said about the Old Testament Church in the wilderness...

Acts 7:37-39
37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."

38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
KJV



1 Cor 10:1-4
10 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
KJV

You do believe that Lord Jesus Christ existed back in Old Testament times, right? Jesus had just not been born through Mary's womb in the flesh back then yet. But The Son of God, The Christ, has always... existed eternally with GOD The Father.

Lord Jesus was called the "Angel of the Lord" in several Old Testament instances, in the sense of His being sent to the Patriarchs and prophets. Jesus is not an angel in the sense of a specie of heavenly being, the word angel simply means 'messenger'. Jesus is GOD The Son, part of the Eternal Godhead. Jesus is Who Jacob wrestled with in Genesis 32 from Whom Jacob received the new name Israel. Jesus was one of the "three men" (angels) that stood talking with Abraham in Genesis 18 while the two angels were sent to Lot per Genesis 19.

And especially... this:

Per Apostle Paul in Galatians 3 and Romans 4, Paul showed that the Gospel Promise by FAITH was first given through Abraham, and that was about 430 years PRIOR to the law being given to Israel through Moses. Thus Paul says those of FAITH are the 'children of Abraham, and... inherit with faithful Abraham.

In Psams 22, David is given prophecy of many events that happened a thousand years later with Christ's crucifixion, even about those who would cast lots upon Christ's clothing. Isaiah 23 covers things about Christ's suffering at His crucifixion.

Thus The Gospel is actually pointed to in many Old Testament Books also. And that is why those in Christ should also study the Old Testament Books along with The New Testament. I use The Companion Bible, a KJV study Bible with scholar notes in the side margin, which the 19th century British scholar E.W. Bullinger put together. Every place in the New Testament that quotes a passage from the Old Testament is shown in the side margin, and Jesus and Apostle Paul quoted from the Old Testament a whole lot, and much of it has not come to pass yet today.

So if your Church is not covering in-depth Old Testament study along with the New Testament Books, then that means there will definitely be a lot missing in one's Bible understanding.

 

[Wick Stick]

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

You: Yes, the 'concept' of Church did... already exist at Christ's first coming.

Those aren't the same thing.

What you are espousing is simply a doctrine of men that like to argue over when Christ's Church began. That's a silly argument because notice what Apostle Paul said about the Old Testament Church in the wilderness...

Acts 7:37-39
37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."

38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
KJV


1 Cor 10:1-4
10 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
KJV

The word 'church' doesn't appear in the Old Testament. But the Greek word that is translated church in most Bibles - ἐκκλησία - is used in translation of the Hebrew word קָהֵל (Qahal) quite a few times in the Septuagint. Click that link for a list of them.

So then, is the Qahal of Moses the same thing as the church? No.

The Jewish Qahal was an assembly of the entire nation. This word is usually translated 'assembly' in English. And a church is an assembly, so they aren't entirely dissimilar. But your local congregation doesn't rise to the level of a Qahal. If ALL the churches in your country were to meet, millions strong... that would be a Qahal.

You do believe that Lord Jesus Christ existed back in Old Testament times, right? Jesus had just not been born through Mary's womb in the flesh back then yet. But The Son of God, The Christ, has always... existed eternally with GOD The Father.

I agree with this much.

Lord Jesus was called the "Angel of the Lord" in several Old Testament instances, in the sense of His being sent to the Patriarchs and prophets. Jesus is not an angel in the sense of a specie of heavenly being, the word angel simply means 'messenger'. Jesus is GOD The Son, part of the Eternal Godhead. Jesus is Who Jacob wrestled with in Genesis 32 from Whom Jacob received the new name Israel. Jesus was one of the "three men" (angels) that stood talking with Abraham in Genesis 18 while the two angels were sent to Lot per Genesis 19.

I don't think you're quite right about the 'Angel of the Lord.' Jesus appears at a number of places in the Old Testament, but is identified as 'the Word of the Lord.' I don't think I can get into the difference here, as that would run afoul of the rule against talking about the Trinity.

And especially... this:

Per Apostle Paul in Galatians 3 and Romans 4, Paul showed that the Gospel Promise by FAITH was first given through Abraham, and that was about 430 years PRIOR to the law being given to Israel through Moses. Thus Paul says those of FAITH are the 'children of Abraham, and... inherit with faithful Abraham.

In Psams 22, David is given prophecy of many events that happened a thousand years later with Christ's crucifixion, even about those who would cast lots upon Christ's clothing. Isaiah 23 covers things about Christ's suffering at His crucifixion.

Thus The Gospel is actually pointed to in many Old Testament Books also. And that is why those in Christ should also study the Old Testament Books along with The New Testament. I use The Companion Bible, a KJV study Bible with scholar notes in the side margin, which the 19th century British scholar E.W. Bullinger put together. Every place in the New Testament that quotes a passage from the Old Testament is shown in the side margin, and Jesus and Apostle Paul quoted from the Old Testament a whole lot, and much of it has not come to pass yet today.

So if your Church is not covering in-depth Old Testament study along with the New Testament Books, then that means there will definitely be a lot missing in one's Bible understanding.

Bullinger takes the most extreme Dispensation position. There's a lot of nonsense added to Scripture with those "study Bibles." I guess if the Bible doesn't say what you want, you can always just add it in the margins!

 

[Fred J]

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.

'Pasture' is actually the, 'every word that proceeded out of the mouth of GOD', and not 'pastors'.

When Jesus led the flocks to a mount and began His sermon from Matthew chapter 5, He's led them to the 'pasture'.

Shalom in the name of Jesus Christ

 

[face2face]

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

Hi all,

For once St. Steven actually raises an insightful question!

He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” Jn 21:15.

“Feed my lambs.” The word is “bosko” = “provide food” ie, for the immature - a lowly task

21:16 Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.” Jn 21:16.

“Feed My Sheep” – The word is “poimaino” = “shepherd” - More mature, greater responsibility (NET translates it correctly!)

21:17 Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. Jn 21:17.

“Feed My Sheep” – The word is “bosko” = “feed the mature”. Most responsible task of all See Heb 5:12-14

5:12 For though you should in fact be teachers by this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of God’s utterances. You have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. 5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant. 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil.
Heb 5:12–14.

As Peter fell in his own estimation so the Lord increased his responsibilities!

5:1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: 5:2 Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. 5:3 And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. 5:4 Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away. 5:5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Pe 5:1–6.

F2F

 

[face2face]

@everyone

Not sure if you know this but its an interesting insight re Hebrews 5:14



How subtle is the difference between good and evil both in the their spelling and in the applied Wisdom of God to shepherd the sheep?

Kalos vs Kakos

2 letters - 1 letter apart!

To discern good and evil is done by a trained mind like that of the Apostle Peter & Paul...and by those who set their minds on Godly things

F2F

 

[Lizbeth]

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

Feed the sheep by leading them in and out of green pastures. (And then let them graze at will....as opposed to force-feeding them.)

 

[PGS11]

Peter denied him 3 times and 3 times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him . It was Jesus allowing Peter to repent its connected.

 

[Lizbeth]

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.

The back forty...? In other words, a wilderness journey a long way from camp. Shepherds in the desert had to lead their sheep through a lot of dry wilderness to find an oasis where the sheep could graze and find water. That is a picture of our journey as believers. And just think this is how Moses himself go to know the desert wilderness like the back of his hand........to qualify him to finally lead God's people out of Egypt and through that exact same wilderness he had been living in and looking after sheep for 40 years.

 

[MA2444]

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

]

Uh-Oh we got us an Urban Cowboy, Lol.

A herdsman is all about livestock. The manage them. They breed them. They care for them. A herd of livestock, especially sheep or cattle!

Anyway, The Lord asking Peter if he loved Him three times was sort of curious to me. Why did Jesus ask Peter this, three times? Was it because Peter denied Him three times? Did it have anything to do with that?

I think it's possible. Maybe it was some spiritual thing that Jesus drew him into for Peter to say three times, I love you Lord? To cancel out what Peter had spoken (I know not the man!)?

I think there's definitely something deeper going on in this account of the Lord talking to peter.

On a side note....Man, how cool would it be, to be hanging out with Jesus every day and He always corrects you when you start making mistakes like that?! And we can. It's called beng led by the Spirit. Talk to Him, all day long. and He is there.

 

[MA2444]

(fisher-persons? - LOL)

They fish too!?? Awww, and I (used to) like fish. Lol.

 

[Cyd]

Sheep are dumb animals. They don't have any way of perceiving the danger they are in for being weak and not too smart. A shepherd leads them and protects them. Spiritually speaking, we are also weak and as dumb as sheep. We have no idea of the spiritual dangers we are exposed to in a world run by the devil. But we can follow our Shepherd Jesus Christ who leads us to a safe pasture.

Sheep are not dumb animals, you need to do some research, they are very social animals, see color, and can recognize up to 50 other sheep anyway the rest fits but sheep are not dumb as most people say.

 

[Cyd]

The back forty...? In other words, a wilderness journey a long way from camp. Shepherds in the desert had to lead their sheep through a lot of dry wilderness to find an oasis where the sheep could graze and find water. That is a picture of our journey as believers. And just think this is how Moses himself go to know the desert wilderness like the back of his hand........to qualify him to finally lead God's people out of Egypt and through that exact same wilderness he had been living in and looking after sheep for 40 years.

Interesting, 40 is a number meaning testing.

 

[face2face]

Interesting, 40 is a number meaning testing.

There are many examples, crazy - Moses' 3 sets of 40 is the most telling example of a life of probation.

@mailmandan

40 is the number of trial ending in triumph for the righteous, and ruin for the wicked.

Moses was forty days in the Mount (Exod. 24:18)

What happened while Moses was away? Righteous / Wicked!

The spies were forty days in the land (Num. 13:25)

What happen when they returned? Righteous / Wicked!

Israel was forty years in the wilderness (Num. 14:33)

They fell in the desert and only a Joshua and Caleb crossed over because they murmured against the Lord.

Christ fasted forty days before the temptation (Matt. 4:2)

Found to be righteous!

And sojourned forty days on earth after his resurrection (Acts 1:3).

Israel rejected him and they were cut off!

And one I really like is Isaac

"And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife" —

It is significant that Isaac, the ensample of Christ (promised seed), should take his bride at such an age. It foreshadows the "marriage of the Lamb" after the period of probation for those who constitute "the Lamb's bride."

F2F

 

[TheOneHeLoves]

Feeding the sheep is teaching the church ("flock"). Jesus is the bread of life. so like in life, we can eat one month healthy but then go back to junk food. No we need life change and eat better for a healthy body. We need constant teaching, hearing of the Word to keep us healthy spiritually. TO love others is to lead them to Jesus.

 

[Davy]

Those aren't the same thing.

The meaning of the word 'church' means the 'congregation', or gathering of those called out. Were the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets 'called out'? Sure they were, and Jesus appeared to them.

The word 'church' doesn't appear in the Old Testament. But the Greek word that is translated church in most Bibles - ἐκκλησία - is used in translation of the Hebrew word קָהֵל (Qahal) quite a few times in the Septuagint. Click that link for a list of them.

That's the problem with those men you are listening to, they try and change the simple meaning of the word 'church' to fit their OWN philosophy outside of Bible Scripture. When the Apostles mentioned the "church in the wilderness" that IS the same concept as "church" used in the New Testament Scriptures. Philosophers strain at a gnat trying make the word "church" only associated with Christ Jesus of The New Testament which means to REJECT Jesus Christ of The Old Testament!

That's why your argument, and their's is just nonsense. All Christians that know anything about their Bible well understand the difference between the Old Testament church, and the New Testament church. No need to create confusion about the term church just to force fit into men's folly doctrines.

 

[Davy]

'Pasture' is actually the, 'every word that proceeded out of the mouth of GOD', and not 'pastors'.

When Jesus led the flocks to a mount and began His sermon from Matthew chapter 5, He's led them to the 'pasture'.

Shalom in the name of Jesus Christ

The idea of pasturing the sheep is where the title PASTOR originated from old French pastur, as it means a shepherd.

 

[Davy]

Uh-Oh we got us an Urban Cowboy, Lol.

A herdsman is all about livestock. The manage them. They breed them. They care for them. A herd of livestock, especially sheep or cattle!

Is there a lot of livestock where you're from? How would you know the above?

 

[Wick Stick]

The meaning of the word 'church' means the 'congregation', or gathering of those called out. Were the Old Testament patriarchs and prophets 'called out'? Sure they were, and Jesus appeared to them.

Why do you change the question with every post? We weren't talking about the patriarchs and prophets.

That's the problem with those men you are listening to, they try and change the simple meaning of the word 'church' to fit their OWN philosophy outside of Bible Scripture.

Why do you pretend to know me? You are WAY off base.

When the Apostles mentioned the "church in the wilderness" that IS the same concept as "church" used in the New Testament Scriptures.

The apostles ARE the New Testament authors. Of course they agree with themselves. What are you trying to say?

Philosophers strain at a gnat trying make the word "church" only associated with Christ Jesus of The New Testament which means to REJECT Jesus Christ of The Old Testament!

That's why your argument, and their's is just nonsense. All Christians that know anything about their Bible well understand the difference between the Old Testament church, and the New Testament church. No need to create confusion about the term church just to force fit into men's folly doctrines.

From where I stand, you're the one creating confusion by taking the word 'church' and trying to apply it to the Old Testament - something which the Old Testament does not do.