1. A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17 Jesus’ Sheep The Assignment What’s Important? “Feed My Lambs”

2. Jesus’ Sheep  The sheep belong to Jesus.  Sheep belong to Jesus by creation.  Sheep also belong to Jesus by redemption.  Jesus in John 10:11 A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

3. John 10:11 (NASB) 11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

4. Jesus’ Sheep  The sheep belong to Jesus.  Sheep belong to Jesus by creation.  Sheep also belong to Jesus by redemption.  Jesus in John 10:11  Paul in Acts 20:28 A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

5. Acts 20:28 (NASB) 28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

6. Jesus’ Sheep  The sheep belong to Jesus.  Sheep belong to Jesus by creation.  Sheep also belong to Jesus by redemption.  Jesus in John 10:11  Paul in Acts 20:28  Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-4 A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

7. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NASB) 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

8. Jesus’ Sheep  The sheep belong to Jesus.  Sheep belong to Jesus by creation.  Sheep also belong to Jesus by redemption.  Jesus in John 10:11  Paul in Acts 20:28  Peter in 1 Peter 5:1-4  We should all be in an undershepherd role. A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

9. The Assignment  This passage describes three layers of hierarchy. 1. Chief Shepherd – Jesus 2. The undershepherds – us 3. The sheep – believers A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

10. The Assignment  How are we to feed the sheep?  Teaching  Sharing our lives with others  Living our lives to become like Jesus (examples)  Acts of loving and caring (doing)  Guiding and directing A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

11. The Assignment  What are we to feed the sheep?  Teaching scripture on a regular basis  Teaching of the truth of scripture should be systematic.  Teaching should be as comprehensive as possible.  Teaching should be done prayerfully – Psalm 119:17-18. A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

12. Psalm 119:17-18 (NASB) 17 Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.

13. The Assignment  What are we to feed the sheep?  Teaching scripture on a regular basis  Teaching of the truth of scripture should be systematic.  Teaching should be as comprehensive as possible.  Teaching should be done prayerfully – Psalm 119:17-18.  Teaching and studying God’s Word obediently. A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

14. What’s Important?  God has spoken infallibly in the Bible!  God’s Word is holy and true and life changing!  We must obey His Word and live it so others might see Jesus! A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

15. “Feed My Lambs”  Many think this is merely a stylistic variation.  “Lambs” may be used only to point out that all of God’s sheep are His children.  Jesus always put a high priority on children!  “Lambs” is here not only to include children in the teaching process but to place a priority on them! A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17

16. Application Are you in relationships that allow you to be fed? Are you in relationships that enable you to teach God’s Word and feed others? A Great Responsibility John 21:15-17