Read the Book: October - DecemberSample

LOVE THE SHEEP

There may be many things in life that you know how to do, but there is usually that one thing that comes very naturally to you, and it’s your go-to. For the disciples, their thing was their original career—fishing. After the heartbreak of losing their earthly shepherd, they went fishing, and on their own accord, this night was unsuccessful. 

Then enters Jesus, who says, “Throw your nets on the right side of the boat and you will catch some.” With Jesus’ direction, there’s an abundant catch. That is the difference between doing something in our own will and in God’s will. 

Then Jesus asks, “Simon, do you love me?” Three times, Jesus asked Simon the same question. Each time he gives him an assignment: feed His lambs, take care of His sheep, feed His sheep.

As the Great Shepherd, Jesus was handing over His flock. As the Great Shepherd, He was looking into Peter’s heart, the heart that had been so broken over his three denials of Jesus prior to the crucifixion. Peter needed healing and forgiveness. He needed shepherding, so he would know how to shepherd. Through his brokenness, he fully felt the immeasurable, unconditional love of Christ.

Jesus asks, “Do you love me? Do you love me more than these?” You can fill in the blank for what “these” is for you. Is there anything standing in the way of you fully loving Christ and wholeheartedly loving His sheep? 

Jesus has put a specific flock under your care—maybe its your family, your coworkers, or neighbors. It’s simply the people you interact with. God is love, and He showed us love by laying Himself down to save the one lost sheep. Accept this great love of Christ, our Great Shepherd, and get out there to love His sheep.

FAMILY CONNECTION

Play a game of “I Spy” but find things that God has done in your life. Maybe it was the amazing weather, someone was nice to you who normally is not, or maybe you got a surprise blessing! That is exactly what happened to the Disciples in the story in John 21. They were blessed with more fish than they ever could imagine. Jesus used this to show who He was. It isn’t always easy but we can find the ways in which God blesses us every day. Pray with your family and thank Him for all of His amazing blessings.