John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 

Jesus said to Peter,

Feed my lamb

Feed my Sheep

Feed my Sheep

On the face value, you would think Jesus said the same thing thrice, but He didn’t. You have to dig deeper to understand His terminologies. In the 1st instance He used the word Bosko = Feed/Provide pasture. In the 2nd instance, He used Poimano = Tend – which includes feeding but emphasizes more on Supervising/Guiding/Governing.

Then in the 3rd instance, He used Bosko again.

This goes to show that, Jesus stresses on FEEDING THE FLOCK more than all other duties. That is why the Primary duty of the shepherd is to feed the flock.  

Listen Shepherd,

In the spiritual care of God’s children put under your trust, FEEDING THE FLOCK WITH THE PURE WORD OF GOD IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTY although there are several things to do.

Church is not an entertainment ground. The Shepherd/Pastor who focuses on entertainment and other things more than the FEEDING OF THE FLOCK doesn’t understand the terms and conditions of his office. And the believer who comes to church looking for amusement and dozes off when it’s time for the Word has a spiritual illness and needs to be cured. Shalom to you!

              GRACEFUL MORNING