John 21:16

"So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”"

Key Reflection

In this passage, Jesus uses the intimate and repeated question of Peter's love as a means to reinforce his commitment and strengthen his ministry role. By having Peter promise to "feed my lambs," Jesus entrusts him with pastoral care and leadership, signaling both forgiveness for past denials and a renewed mission in his discipleship.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. Feed my sheep. The word here rendered feed, as has been remarked, is different from the word in the previous verse. It has the sense of governing, caring for, guiding, protecting --the kind of faithful vigilance which a shepherd uses to guide his flock, and to make provision against their wants and dangers. It may be implied here that the care needed for the young in the church is to instruct them, and for those in advanced years both to instruct and govern them. My sheep. This term commonly denotes the church in general, without respect to age, John, chapter 10.

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