Why did Jesus tell Peter to “feed my sheep” in John 21?

Response

Jesus instructed Peter three times to “feed my sheep” in John 21:15-17. Each instance followed Peter’s three affirmations of love for Jesus. This event took place during one of Jesus’ final appearances to His disciples after His resurrection, by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus served them breakfast of fish and bread, then entrusted Peter with the responsibility of caring for His sheep and tending to His lambs.

Although the three commands are often translated similarly, they carry subtle distinctions. The first time Jesus spoke, the Greek phrase literally means “pasture (tend) the lambs” (v. 15). The term “pasture” in Greek is in the present tense, indicating ongoing care, feeding, and attention to the animals. Throughout the Bible, believers are likened to sheep. “For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you will hear his voice,” (Psalm 95:7). Jesus is both our Good Shepherd, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep,” (John 10:11), and the Door of the sheepfold, “I am the door: by me, if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture,” (John 10:9). Referring to His people as lambs underscores their vulnerability and need for nurturing and protection.

The second time, the literal translation is “tend My sheep” (v. 16). Here, Jesus was highlighting the role of overseeing and caring for the sheep, not just feeding them but also shepherding them. This conveys the comprehensive duty of pastoral oversight.Oversight, both in Peter’s future and in all those who would follow him in pastoral ministry. Peter follows Jesus’ example and repeats this same Greek word “poimaino” in his first pastoral letter to the elders of the churches of Asia Minor: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers” «feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; », (1 Peter 5:2).

The third time, the literal translation is “pasture (tend) the sheep” (v. 17). Here Jesus combines the different Greek words to make clear the job of the shepherd of the flock of God. They are to tend, care for, and provide spiritual food for God’s people, from the youngest lambs to the full-grown sheep, in continual action to nourish and care for their souls, bringing them into the fullness of spiritual maturity. The totality of the task set before Peter, and all shepherds, is made clear by Jesus’ three-fold command and the words He chooses.

What is this food with which shepherds are to feed the flock of God? It can be no other than the Word of God. Peter declares that Christians are to desire the pure spiritual milk of the Word so that by it, we can mature in our salvation «as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: », (1 Peter 2:2). As early as the book of Deuteronomy, we see the Lord describing His Word as food for His people who live not by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from His mouth «And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. », (Deuteronomy 8:3).

(Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus reaffirms this concept during His temptation in the wilderness «But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. », (Matthew 4:4). The significance of the Word of God as nourishment for our souls cannot be overstated.

Clearly, the responsibility of the shepherds of God’s people is to provide them with the pure milk of the Word of God so they can progress to the meat and solid food of the spiritually mature (Hebrews 5:12-14). Pastoral ministry should primarily involve pastors feeding their people the Word of God. Only then can pastors proclaim, as Peter did, their love for the Lord Jesus.