A Pause To Ponder God's Word
"Feed My Sheep"

 Peter makes it to shore just before the boat pulling the net full of fish.  The resurrected Jesus is there sitting by a fire with breakfast cooking. He beckons the disciples to bring some fish from their catch and join Him for breakfast. (John 21:10) It's intriguing that Jesus asks the disciples to bring fish? The miracle catch does not astonish us. We have seen Jesus do that before. Though recording the exact number of fish is fascinating and we are surprised that the nets didn't break.  However, it is the request for the disciples to bring some of the catch when breakfast is already cooked and ready that captures our attention.

 Could it be that this request is part of a living parable to prepare Peter for the conversation that Jesus and He were about to have? I'm sure you remember the account. Peter is asked the probing question, "do you love me," three times. Each time Peter affirms his love. Each time Jesus gives him the same directive, "Feed my sheep." How could Peter obey this mandate? What resources did he have? This does not come up in the conversation recorded for us. Peter was more concerned about
communicating his love to Jesus and diverting the attention away from himself. Yet, as he later pondered the whole episode, he may have asked himself these very questions. It is then that the parabolic scene could have come vividly to mind.

 When left to our own resources we are like the men in the boat having fished all night - "having nothing." But, when we hear the Word of the Lord and faithfully obey, our nets are filled. We have more than enough to feed the masses. When we reach shore we are reminded that we need not worry for Jesus is our Provider. He could do it without us, but He has chosen to use us. In bringing some of our catch we are actually bringing only what He has provided. We are not bystanders. Our
discipleship, our following Jesus, places us under the same mandate that Peter received.  Our discipleship involves us in Jesus' ministry and Jesus provides all that we need to fulfill that ministry.

 Do you ever feel overwhelmed by what Jesus asks you to do? Do you ever feel that you just don't have the resources and ability to accomplish the task? Do you ever feel like you've been fishing all night and haven't caught a thing? Remember this living parable - listen to what Jesus tells you to do; obey His instruction; sit by the fire and let Him feed you; then feed His lambs using the resources He has given you.

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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