REFLECTIONS

Feeding God's Sheep

Memories are faint, but I remember the distress or maybe fear from the prospect of leaving Mrs. Blake’s Sunday school class for the last time. Hers was the primary class, as I recall, and the time had come for promotion to the next level.

Training for the next level was always the plan. It was a design that, in the course of time, would nurture the children, care for the youth, and support the adults. Sunday school curriculum built a spiritual foundation that would last a lifetime. In love for Jesus, it taught the Bible. And as I think back on it now, Jesus outlined its design to Peter.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

 Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

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.” (John 21:15-17)

In love for Jesus, my Sunday school teachers taught children about God’s love. We learned that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

In love for Jesus, the teachers modeled the life of Jesus. “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven“. (Matthew 5:16)

In love for Jesus, the grown-ups loved one another along life’s journey. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Jesus might have outlined his plan to Peter this way. “If you love me, Peter, teach my children. And if you love me, Peter, shepherd the youth. And if you love me, Peter, love one another.” Or he might have simply recalled God’s commands to the Israelites:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

Or he might have simply reminded us again…,

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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