The charge given to Peter in John 21:15-17 is valid for us as well. It nicely summarizes Jesus' expectations for those that want to serve in Christ's church. In John 10:11-18, Jesus is the shepherd. Again with shepherd/sheep imagery, Peter is challenged to be the shepherd. If he really loves Jesus, he will shepherd the sheep. If we say we love God and are following Christ we too must entrust ourselves to God and fulfill our callings as servant leaders in God's church. We are called to a sacrific
ial, laying down of our lives for the sake of the world. In John 10:11-18 the imagery of sheep, shepherd, wolf teach us about leading and following and the type of leadership that is effective and pleasing to God. What do you see when you look through these lenses? What do you see in the mirror?Shepherd picture
women picture
Ivy,remember the flocks of sheep that grazed in the field in front of our apartments in Bethlehem? They were not the docile, peaceful creatures I learned about in Sunday School.Some of them even butted the shepherd.
ReplyDeleteAs long as the flock was traveling, they stayed together. The trouble began when they stopped moving forward. Might be a sermon in that.
That is a helpful memory,David. And I agree that there may well be a sermon, Bible study, life lesson etc. in there.
ReplyDeleteI like to think of my priesthood as being a sheepdog, assisting Jesus who is the true shepherd....Less clerical IMHO than those of us who ordained claiming identification with him and considering lay Christians as sheep.
ReplyDeleteI like the sheepdog imagery...especially being a dog lover. Thanks Sophia.
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