[CYM] 54.0 Feed My Sheep

The command “Feed My Sheep” is a powerful call from Yeshua emphasizing pastoral care, spiritual nourishment, and responsibility for His followers. This command is most explicitly recorded in John 21:15–17, after Yeshua’s resurrection. Yeshua asks Peter three times if he loves Him and each time instructs:

So when they had dined, Yeshua saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Yeshua saith unto him, Feed My sheep.

This triple repetition reinstates Peter after his denial and entrusts him with the crucial role of shepherding the early church. Yeshua commands His disciples to nurture and protect the community with loving care, guiding them in faith and truth.

While this exact phrase is unique to John, the theme of caring for others spiritually is echoed throughout the Synoptic Gospels. For example, in Matthew 9:36 and Mark 6:34, Yeshua shows compassion on the crowds, “like sheep without a shepherd,” highlighting His pastoral heart.

In Matthew 28:19–20 (the Great Commission), Yeshua commands His followers to make disciples and teach them to obey His commands, implying ongoing spiritual nourishment.

Additionally, in Luke 12:42, Yeshua praises faithful servants entrusted with their master’s household, reflecting the responsibility of care.

Across the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Yeshua commands His followers to shepherd His people with love, teaching and nurturing their spiritual growth, ensuring they are fed with God’s Word and cared for in community.