John 21 - What Does It Mean to Be A Pastor?

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Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

One of the things I like about the gospel of John is all of the personal interactions with the disciples and other people in his gospel. Although there are several resurrection appearances recorded in the four gospels, this one is pretty unique. 

7 of the disciples were out fishing on the Sea of Galilee, the sight of where Jesus had called Peter and three other fishermen in Luke 5. The story starts out with Peter saying, "I'm going out to fish". We don't know if Peter was compromising the call Jesus had for him to be his disciple, or he was just practically getting back to the work that funded his ministry. 

But the bottom line is that they fished all night and caught nothing. You wonder what went through Peter's mind, as he contemplated the events of the past week including Jesus' death, his threefold denial, and Jesus' appearance to he and John. When they ran to the tomb, it says Peter got their first, but when John saw the empty tomb, he believed. 

This might have still been on Peter's mind that night out on the lake. Then, suddenly someone appeared on the beach in the morning. He called out, "Friends haven't you any fish?" John recognized it was Jesus, but it was Peter who jumped out of the boat and swam ashore to greet the Lord. Jesus told Peter to get the fish, so Peter swam back out to the boat and towed all 153 fish in the net back to the beach. 

It is almost like Peter was saying to Jesus, "See, I am still your guy!"

After they finished the fish fry on the beach, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him more than "these" in front of the others. Peter answered by saying, "Yes, you know I love you Lord!" And Jesus answered, "Then feed my sheep!" Again, Jesus asked him the same question. Peter said again, "You know I love you Lord." Jesus answered slightly different by saying, "Then, take care of my sheep!" Finally, the Lord asked him a third time, and Peter was hurt, but still answered, "Lord, you know I love you!"

What did Jesus mean by asking Peter if he loved him, "more than these"? Some thought Jesus was refering to his previous life of fishing, but it is pretty clear Jesus is referring to the other disicples with him. After all Peter had said, "Even though others will fall, I will never disown you!"

I am sure you realize the significance of Jesus asking Peter this question three times, as it relates to Peter denying Jesus three times. But what I think is significant is that Jesus links Peter's love for him with feeding His sheep. Jesus didn't need to hear Peter was sorry, or that he would never do it again. Jesus wanted to hear that Peter would feed the flock because of his love for Jesus. 

The word for "pastor" is the same as "shepherd". When Jesus called the disciples, he told them they would from now on "fish for people". Now he is using the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to show how the disciples would be pastors for God's people. They would feed the sheep with God's Word about Jesus, and care for them spiritually. 

I love that the word "pastor" comes from the word "shepherd". Though some of us make a living being a full time pastor, I believe all Christians are called to be shepherds in some sense of the word, especially if it means caring for the spiritual needs of someone else. 

For instance any of the following volunteering roles could be seen as a shepherd or pastor:

1. Children or Youth Worker

2. Visitation to the sick. 

3. Visit those in prison. 

4. Teach or lead a bible study or small group. 

5. Be an elder at a church, which is also called a "shepherd". 

6. Evangelism ministry. 

And many other ministries. It is important that we look at all of our ministries through the lens of how we are feeding the sheep who God has brought to us, while also remembering to go out to the find lost sheep, as illustrated by the parable of the Prodigal Son and Lost Sheep. Remembered when Jesus looked over the Israelite people he wept saying, "They are like sheep without a shepherd." One of the noblest things you can do is to be a shepherd of someone in God's flock!

In Peter's 1st letter he says this to the early church, 

"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." 1 Peter 5:2-4

Where is God calling you to be shepherd for his people? Do you love him? Really, do you love him? Feed his sheep?

If you have ever denied or fallen away from Jesus, how did he redeem you? Remember Jesus will leave or forsake, just as he did not for Peter? Jesus used Peter's failing to become a pastor and leader of the flock!