In John 21, Jesus restores Peter after his three denials by asking him three times, “Do you love me?” and commanding him each time to “Feed my sheep.” This moment is far more than reconciliation—it’s a commissioning. Jesus entrusts Peter, an imperfect but passionate follower, with the responsibility of caring for His people. It shows that failure doesn’t disqualify you; in fact, your greatest calling may come after your biggest mistake.
The command to “feed my sheep” isn’t just for Peter or church leaders—it reflects what loving Jesus looks like in action: serving, guiding, and caring for others. Whether you’re leading a group, mentoring someone, or simply loving your neighbor, you’re part of this mission. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what this passage means for your faith, leadership, and everyday walk with Christ.
If you’ve ever read the Gospel of John, you know it ends in a powerful, personal moment between Jesus and Peter. It’s not just a touching scene—it’s a direct commissioning. When Jesus says, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), He’s not using poetic language. He’s giving Peter a job. And if you’re a Christian, understanding this passage helps you better grasp what Jesus expects from His followers—especially those called to lead.
Let’s break it down: what happened, why it matters, and what it means for you today.
Setting the Scene: John 21
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appears to His disciples multiple times. In John 21, He meets seven of them by the Sea of Galilee. They’re fishing but not catching anything. Sound familiar? It should—Jesus pulled this same move back in Luke 5. He tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They do, and boom—153 fish.
That moment triggers something in John. He turns to Peter and says, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7). Peter, never one for hesitation, jumps into the water and swims to Jesus.
On shore, Jesus already has breakfast cooking—fish and bread over a charcoal fire. This detail matters. The last time Peter stood near a charcoal fire (John 18:18), he denied Jesus three times. Now, Jesus is about to restore him—also three times.
The Three Questions: “Do You Love Me?”
Jesus turns to Peter and asks:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
— John 21:15
Peter says, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus replies, “Feed my lambs.”
He asks again.
“Do you love me?”
— John 21:16
Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus says, “Tend my sheep.”
Then a third time:
“Do you love me?”
— John 21:17
This time, Peter is grieved. He says, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus tells him, “Feed my sheep.”
This threefold question mirrors Peter’s three denials. Jesus isn’t rubbing it in—He’s restoring Peter publicly. Each response comes with a command. Let’s look at what those mean.
What Does “Feed My Sheep” Mean?
Jesus isn’t talking about actual sheep here. He’s using a metaphor. In Scripture, God’s people are often called sheep (Psalm 100:3, Ezekiel 34, Matthew 9:36).
So, when Jesus says:
- “Feed my lambs” – He’s telling Peter to care for young believers.
- “Tend my sheep” – He’s calling him to shepherd the church, to guide and protect.
- “Feed my sheep” – He’s commanding him to teach, nourish, and disciple mature believers too.
This is pastoral ministry. And Jesus is entrusting it to someone who had just failed Him.
Why Did Jesus Choose Peter?
It’s a fair question. Peter denied Jesus three times, caved under pressure, and swore he didn’t even know Him. Yet here, Jesus doesn’t replace Peter—He restores him.
Here’s the point: Jesus doesn’t disqualify people for failing. He restores the humble and gives them new purpose.
Peter had:
- Boldness – He jumped in the water to get to Jesus.
- Passion – He genuinely loved Jesus.
- Experience – He knew what it meant to fall and be forgiven.
Jesus chooses leaders not because they’re perfect, but because they’re faithful—and teachable.
What It Meant for Peter’s Future
Jesus doesn’t stop with “Feed my sheep.” He goes on to say:
“When you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands…”
— John 21:18
John explains this was Jesus foretelling Peter’s death—likely by crucifixion (which tradition confirms). So this calling wasn’t just about leadership. It was about sacrifice.
Being a shepherd wasn’t glamorous. It meant hardship, pain, and eventually martyrdom. But Peter accepted it. He later writes:
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:2–3
Clearly, he took Jesus’ words seriously.
What It Means for You
Now you may be thinking, “I’m not Peter. I’m not a pastor. Why does this matter to me?”
Here’s why:
1. Restoration is always possible
Peter denied Jesus. Publicly. And still, Jesus restored him. If you think your failure disqualifies you, read John 21 again. Jesus restores, not rejects.
2. Love for Jesus = Care for His people
Every time Peter says he loves Jesus, Jesus tells him to do something for others. If you say you love Jesus, but don’t care for His people, there’s a disconnect.
- Love God? Then serve people.
- Follow Jesus? Then care for His church.
3. Calling often follows brokenness
Peter wasn’t called to lead when he was proud and self-assured. He was called when he was broken, humbled, and honest. That’s when Jesus said, “Follow me.”
Key Takeaways
Let’s wrap it up with a few simple truths from John 21:
- Jesus restores failures. No one is too far gone.
- Leadership in the church is about love and sacrifice, not power.
- Your love for Jesus shows in how you treat His people.
- Jesus calls imperfect people to do eternal work.
- Faithfulness matters more than flawless performance.
Final Thoughts
The moment when Jesus says, “Feed my sheep,” is more than a job description for Peter. It’s a glimpse into the heart of Jesus. He loves His people. And He calls us—imperfect, messy, forgiven people—to care for one another.
So whether you’re leading a church, mentoring someone, parenting, or just showing up for a hurting friend—you’re feeding sheep. And in doing that, you’re following Jesus.
“Follow me.”
— John 21:19
That’s the final line. Not just for Peter. For you too.
FAQs: “Feed My Sheep”: The Commissioning of Peter in John 21
1. What does “Feed My Sheep” mean in John 21?
It’s Jesus’ command to Peter to care for and spiritually nurture His followers. It’s a call to pastoral leadership and serving others in love.
2. Why did Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” three times?
To mirror and redeem Peter’s three denials before the crucifixion. It was both a restoration and a commissioning.
3. Who are the “sheep” Jesus refers to?
The “sheep” represent believers—God’s people—whom Peter and future leaders are called to care for, guide, and teach.
4. Was Peter qualified to lead after denying Jesus?
Yes. Jesus personally restored him and entrusted him with leadership, showing that past failure doesn’t disqualify someone from being used by God.
5. What is the significance of the charcoal fire in John 21?
It’s a deliberate callback to the fire where Peter denied Jesus in John 18, emphasizing the intentional restoration.
6. How does John 21 apply to Christians today?
It shows that loving Jesus is expressed through caring for others, and that every believer can be restored and used by God.
7. Is “Feed My Sheep” only for pastors?
No. While it has special meaning for church leaders, the call to care for others and spiritually invest in people applies to all believers.
8. What does Jesus mean by “Follow me” in verse 19?
It’s both a call to personal discipleship and a prediction of Peter’s future sacrifice. Following Jesus means surrender and obedience.
9. What role does love play in this passage?
Love for Jesus is central. Jesus ties Peter’s love directly to his willingness to serve others.
10. What can I learn from Peter’s example?
That failure isn’t final. Humility, love, and faithfulness matter more than perfection in following Jesus.
