Command 46: Feed My Sheep
Study Question
Q: Since the Lord knows every sheep by name and laid down His life for them, why does He entrust their daily feeding, encouragement, and protection to under-shepherds who may be inadequate or inconsistent in carrying out these vital tasks?
In the New Testament, God gives detailed requirements for those who would be under-shepherds of His flock. Peter was the disciple whom Jesus commanded, “Feed my lambs,” “Feed [tend] my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” Peter was also the one who recorded God’s precise instructions to the under-shepherds of His flock.
“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (I Peter 5:1–4).
In the Book of Titus, Paul lists more qualifications of those who would shepherd others: “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate” (Titus 1:6–8).
However, because we all have a sin nature, no one serving as an under-shepherd will perfectly represent the Chief Shepherd all the time. Because of His great love for His sheep, God will hold those who lead them to a higher standard. James addresses this tremendous responsibility placed on under-shepherds: “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1).
This study question and answer is adapted from the Commands of Christ, Series 7, book. For further study, this book may be purchased from our Online Store.