The Shepherd’s Mandate: Lead and Feed

The Lord's example to his leaders

 Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

The tender Shepherd who leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, restoring their souls and guiding them along paths of righteousness. 

In John 21, that same risen Shepherd affirms His love and entrusts you as he did Peter with His own flock —“Feed my sheep.” 

John 21:16 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.

17 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. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Together these passages show a God who not only provides personal restoration but also commissions those who have committed themselves to his service to continue His work of shepherding.