Usually, when we think of shepherds, or at least when I do, we’re thinking of an individual with dogs, ensuring the safety of the flock. Of course, in December, we may think of a group of men taking turns to watch the sheep. Those shepherds were the first outsiders to meet Christ at His birth. Some of us may have thought of other biblical passages that refer to sheep and shepherds, such as Psalm 23 Ezekiel 35 and John 10. We might even have thought of John 21, and its references to lambs and sheep.
But did you think of shepherds being specialised in their duties? Even back in Y’shua’s time? It seems they were. And the specialisation made a difference. Learn more with me as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
John 21:16 CEVDCI
[16] Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus told him.
Tend my Sheep
Siblings, I have read and preached this entire section a few times. But today while reflecting, it registered that the Y’shua’s triple instructions suggest that the roles of shepherds in a large farm could differ.
We know that some shepherds are night guards, keeping the flock safe from predators and potential thieves. That’s what Luke 2:8 implies. It’s also possible that only certain shepherds would have that prized role. We can assume that some train and work with sheepdog to take care of the sheep. Psalm 23 offers insights on other shepherding roles that include healing, guiding and feeding, which I always thought could be/were covered by one person.
Self-Check
In a role-differentiated system, which aspect of shepherding would we prefer if we had to take on the task?
Deeper Dive
Although it is likely that several people could undertake the work, Y’shua was very precise in His instructions to Peter. In a world where shepherds were many, even Peter, a fisherman, would have understood that lambs are different from sheep. And while sheep could refer to the collective flock, when referenced separately in instructions, Peter needed to listen clearly. There was a difference in the tasks. One related to provision for the young, vulnerable and hungry; the other involved care work.
Y’shua’s instructions for Peter to tend His sheep suggests that Peter would lead, restore, comfort, accompany, protect, and heal. (These attributes are all described in Psalm 23.) It is possible that Peter would have understood the difference right away.
We realize that since Y’shua’s flock were humans, Y’shua’s instructions most likely related to older believers. You know, those ones already set in their ways. In fact, some of them were perhaps listening to Y’shua as He instructed Peter! They might not need constant supervision, but the parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15 tells us that some would. Tending sheep also means securing the flock, then going to find and rescue any that goes astray. (Not everyone is keen on on that task!)
The existence of sheep that go astray also suggests that not all sheep are the same. Therefore, tending strategies cannot be one-size-fits-all. Routines are helpful, but might need to be altered if predators appear, or sheep start to wander too far away. All that is implied in Y’shua’s instruction to Peter.
To some extent, it is also Y’shua’s instruction for us. Each of us, not only pastors are called to tend the flock. It’s there in the Matthew 28 Great Commission. We’re to teach and baptise. Will we stay the course?
Point to Ponder
When sheep go astray, as we all do, can Y’shua rely on us for search and rescue duty?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
