My one and only visit to the holy Land was some time age. Our small group was led by what we know call a Messianic Jew, one English Jew who while an expert on Jewish Law was also an inspired Christian Pastor. Looking over Bethlehem and the so-called ‘Shepherds field’ he said he had been told that shepherds sometime broke a leg of a lamb and then nursed it carefully back to health. The lamb forgot the injury but stayed close to the one who had shown love and care, and became a ‘lead-sheep’ for the flock (as sheep follow the leader who follows the shepherd).
Peter in John 21 seems in a similar position in becoming the leader of the sheep. Jesus had said that ‘the one who loves most has been forgiven most’ so this testing time for Peter resulted in him reaffirming his love for Christ the Good Shepherd following his grief over his betrayal of Jesus. Perhaps rather than being called as a shepherd he is more like the lead sheep??
What do you think?
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January 31, 2008 at 9:59 pm
rafa
I think you are dead on, as a matter of fact, if more pastors truly understood this concept we wouldn’t have as many cult of personality churches like we do. Human beings by nature look to make lead figures their “stars” just like the crowds wanted to make Jesus their king. Jesus, however refused to fall in to the trap. Jesus instructed his disciples to call no one on earth Father or Teacher for their is only one Father God and only one teacher Christ (Mathew 23:9). Jesus also asked Peter if he loved him and if he did then feed MY sheep. We are all Jesus’.
Pastors be forwarned: You are receiving your reward in this world. In the Kingdom of God you will be waiting on tables.