Rochester, MN UCC - "Feed My Sheep" - John 21:1-19

We hear the story of the risen Christ sharing breakfast on the beach with his disciples on the shore of the sea of Galilee in the 21st and final chapter of John’s Gospel. After the disciples have recognized Jesus and shared a meal with the risen Christ, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. Not once. Not twice. Three times, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. For each denial of Christ he made during Jesus’ trial, Peter is given an opportunity to redeem himself. The risen Christ shows him grace, forgiveness, and most importantly an opportunity to redeem himself by choosing to love the Lord he had denied. 

 After each of Peter’s declarations of love, Jesus responds by telling him to feed his lambs, to tend and feed his sheep. Faithfully, tending and feeding the sheep is how the gospel of John describes the work of the Good Shepherd, of Jesus Christ himself. Jesus is telling Peter that the way to demonstrate our love for Jesus is by continuing his ministry, by loving and serving those that he loves. In redeeming Peter, Jesus is also reaffirming his choice of him as the rock upon which the church is founded. Not just Peter, but all of the Church, every member of the Body of Christ, has its beginning in the grace and redemption offered by Jesus Christ. The Church is founded upon God’s grace and forgiveness and then sent to share that gracious love with the world.

 This Easter season let us remember that the new life we have in Christ begins with the free gift of God’s grace. Our membership in the Church, our participation in the Body of Christ is not based upon our own righteousness, but rather on God’s forgiveness. May this remembrance inspire in us humility, gratitude, and deep love for God. And may we each show our gratitude and love for God through offering loving service to the church and the world, just as Christ commanded Peter. Amen.

 Pastor Andrew Greenhaw