Jesus calls you!
Reposted from November 26, 2023 – Reaffirming your calling to Christ’s mission!
Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
For most Christians, these words of Jesus are very familiar. Known as the “Great Commission” these words give “marching orders” to the followers of Jesus before he ascends back into heaven.
However, I often think about the audience and setting of this conversation.
The timing of the conversation is one that is very close, if not the day of Jesus’ departure. If you knew you had just a short time with a group of people, you would make sure to convey the most important thing or things that you want that person to remember. These words make sense as Jesus wants to make sure his followers know he has all power, he is calling them to make more followers and they have his presence throughout.
More than likely, this is what we most commonly think of in these verses.
But I think of the audience…
Would I have confidence these words would be trusted, followed, and shared? Hmm…?
Just preceding Jesus words in verse 18, Matthew records this:
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
The group of followers had doubters.
In the group was Thomas…who had doubts.
Peter…who denied him.
James and John…who wanted power and authority
Matthew…who was a tax collector and perhaps a cheater.
Philip…a bit skeptical at times.
And the list goes on.
Would this be the group you would trust with the next generation of spreading the Gospel? Perhaps if you were the HR Manager for Jesus, Inc., you would be a bit hesitant to trust the company to this group.
But Jesus did.
And still does.
The fact that Jesus would entrust his work to the group originally there is amazing to consider along with humbling.
He still chooses to use us today…doubters, deniers, skeptics, arrogant, sinful individuals.
He has no plan “B.”
We are his plan “A.”
The amazing nature of Jesus is that his grace extends to his call to communicate grace to others. On our own we would never be worthy nor equipped, but his grace both makes us worthy (forgiven) and equipped to speak.
Through these lenses I hear his words again…
All authority is Jesus. That means it’s not my opinion that matters…Jesus’ is the only one that matters. If he calls me…that’s all the authority I need.
Go and make disciples…Disciples aren’t perfect, they are one’s convinced that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I don’t have to be perfect, I just need the message of grace firmly in my heart.
I am with you always…I’m going to need it! But that’s why Jesus promised it.
So leave these words of Jesus allowing them to ring clearly in your ears and stirring deeply in your heart. Jesus is commissioning you with his power and presence to be part of his eternal work…bring the message of grace to people!
Apply: What changes when you realize Jesus is commissioning you because he wants you to be part of the plan to share the Gospel vs. thinking you have to interview and qualify?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the amazing nature of your grace which I get to live and share! Be with me and equip me to be better at being your representative to others! AMEN.
It’s hard to be a shepherd…but worth it!
This week’s devotions are based on Revealed Week 5 – Calling Revealed (WATCH HERE)
When Jesus calls us to feed and take care of his sheep, it doesn’t come without challenges and risks.
This past week someone asked a question, “If God knew we were going to sin and walk away from him, why did he create us in the first place?
Good question. It seems to challenge of the omniscience of God or simply question why he made mankind with the choice to sin.
The answer to the question can get deep and philosophical, but perhaps it has a much simpler answer…the same answer that a parent would give if asked, “Why did you have children when you knew they would take so much care, cause heartache, and draw so much of your energy and care?”
Because you had a heart of love that desired to share life with a child.
God has a great heart of love for people. He created them, even though he knew they would take nurture, guidance, care and correction.
It’s just what sheep do.
But Jesus found it worth it.
And he wants us to find it worth it too…so he calls us to be part of caring for the people he so greatly cares about.
As Jesus interacted with Peter, he called him to care for and feed his sheep:
John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
What would that mean? What does that mean for us?
First, it means we love Jesus’ followers, just like he loved us. These are people with real needs, real hurts, real flaws and real fears. These are sheep that wander, bite back, get lost, and need to be fed and cared for. It’s a big commitment to care for the sheep. It’s a call to invest in people who may disappoint you, misunderstand you or simply walk away. But we do it anyway because we love our Good Shepherd.
Second, comes with a cost. Peter would lose his life for being a shepherd of Jesus. Jesus encouraged us to count the cost. Caring for people, leading in love, and feeding the flock is holy work—but also painful work. It will require patience when you’re weary, forgiveness when you’re wounded, and persistence when you’d rather quit. But Christ’s grace fuels this calling. The same Jesus who restored Peter is the One who sustains us.
And third, it’s personal. Sure you may not be a pastor or on staff at a church, but Jesus’ call is to you. Think of all the “one another” passages. Pray for one another. Carry each other’s burdens. Forgive one another, and more. Each one of these directions is the encouragement to shepherd those around you. Feed your sheep. Keep them out of spiritual danger and lead them closer to Christ.
Apply: Write down the people around you that God has given you influence over. Consider this your flock and ask God to show you ways you can feed and take care of them.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for trusting me to be one of your shepherds. Lead me to always rely on you to care for them! AMEN.
Called to care…
This week’s devotions are based on Revealed Week 5 – Calling Revealed (WATCH HERE)
Jesus had big plans for Peter. After probing and restoring Peter with the question, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” he calls him to “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” “Feed my sheep.” Three times, Peter affirms his love and three times, Jesus gives him this direction.
Jesus first was interested in Peter’s heart, “Do you love me more than these?” the he was interested in defining Peter’s calling to discipleship. No longer is Peter to be just a follower, although following Jesus would always be primary, but he is to be one that now nurtures, guids and cares for other sheep. Jesus was Peter’s shepherd. Now Peter was to shepherd others.
Jesus’ words, “Feed my sheep,” and “Take care of my sheep,” are rich with imagery and profound meaning. Sheep are vulnerable, dependent creatures. They need a shepherd to lead them to green pastures, to protect them from predators, and to tend to their needs. Jesus is entrusting his flock to Peter, a flock that represents his followers, his church, the people he died for. This is an immense responsibility, one that requires deep love, unwavering commitment, and genuine compassion.
But this calling is not just for Peter. The Spirit of God has preserved this encounter for us to take to heart today. Every generation, Jesus calls his followers to also be shepherds. Sure some are in a more public role as a pastor, or similar task, but at the core of Christ’s calling is caring for the Christ’s sheep. This might look different for each person, but the core principle remains: to nurture and support others in their spiritual journey.
How about you? How does this calling apply to you?
Are there people in your life who need encouragement, guidance, or support? This could be a friend struggling with doubt, a family member facing a challenge, or a colleague feeling overwhelmed. Perhaps it’s a new believer who needs mentoring, a neighbor who needs a listening ear, or someone in your community who is lonely.
To be sure, Jesus is calling us to notice those around us, to see their needs, and to respond with love and compassion. However, he also seems to be focusing on those of the family of believers. “Feed my sheep” also has a strong implication of spiritual nourishment. Are you sharing your faith, offering biblical insights, or providing resources that will help others grow in their relationship with Christ? How might you do that in your home with the “flock” of your family? How might you do this at your church by helping to teach Kids Church, lead a Sunday school class, host a small group or simply walk with someone through a spiritual challenge, offering the hope of the Scripture and the comfort of the Gospel.
Feeding the sheep also involves safeguarding the flock. This means standing against false teachings, protecting others from harm, and speaking truth in love. It means being a source of wisdom and discernment, helping others to navigate the complexities of life and faith. To feed the sheep, one must continually be fed by the words of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
Jesus knew the calling came with challenges. It requires time, energy, and vulnerability. There will be moments when we feel ill-equipped, inadequate, or even overwhelmed. But remember, Jesus doesn’t call us to this task alone. He promises his presence and his strength. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus says. Let’s answer that call with willing hearts and open hands, knowing that in serving others, we are truly serving him.
Apply: So, today, consider the sheep in your life. Who are you called to feed, and who are you called to care for? Ask the Lord for guidance, strength, and wisdom. And trust that as you respond to his call, he will equip you for the task.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling me to care for your sheep. Strengthen me for the task and guide me in your ways so I may take care of your sheep and lambs well. AMEN.
Do you love me more than anything?
This week’s devotions are based on Revealed Week 5 – Calling Revealed (WATCH HERE)
Do you love me more than these?
This penetrating question causes one to pause and consider the value of someone or something in your life.
Siblings may pose the question to their parents and ask, “Do you love me more than my sister?” They are trying to determine their “rank” in the hearts of their parents.
Sometimes this question is posed when something happens that maybe leads a person to think that they aren’t loved as much and so are trying to reaffirm their standing in the heart of another. If a wife is wondering about her husbands love, she may ask, “Do you love me more than your golfing buddies?” because she may be hurt that her husband went golfing and forgot her birthday. (Bad move, by the way!)
Jesus asks Peter this question, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Was Jesus insecure about needing to be loved by Peter? No.
Was Jesus looking for affirmation that he was more loved than the rest of the disciples? No.
Jesus was giving Peter’s heart a chance to respond, knowing that just a few weeks earlier he had vehemently denied Jesus. Was his heart reoriented toward Jesus, or was it still in question. The question was asked three times. The third time hurt.
But Jesus wasn’t out to hurt Peter, but rather reaffirm his love for and his confidence in him. Jesus had a large task to commission Peter to do, but he first wanted to give Peter a chance to reaffirm his love for him.
John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Jesus call to Peter and to us is to love him above all else. The loyalty of our heart is primary before any act of service can be performed.
But it’s hard.
We want to answer clearly, “Lord, you know that I love you.”
But then we think of the ways the Lord wouldn’t know we love him.
In a moment of frustration, we take the Lord’s name in vain. In a moment of laziness, we stay away from worship. In a moment of self-pity, we doubt the Lord’s ability to help. In a moment of pride, we try to figure out a life problem on our own. In a moment of fear, we back down from a bold witness for the Lord.
Of course it is a legitimate question for Jesus to ask, “Do you love me more than these?” Our hearts are easily distracted and our actions easily drift.
Loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength is difficult to do. Things in life compete for that pole position. Money tempts us, “Do you love me more than Jesus?” Relationships tempt us, “Do you love me more than Jesus?” Career tempts us, “Do you love me more than Jesus?”
We’d love to say, “Never!” But we need Jesus’ forgiveness to our hearts that must admit, “We don’t always love you, Jesus more than these.”
And so he does. As we confess our sins, Jesus forgives them.
His love for us never changes. So we can always say with confidence, “Lord, you know that I love you.”
Apply: What things/people in life are distracting you from loving Christ first and fully? Ask the Lord for wisdom to identify such things and with his help, keep love for the Lord always first.
Prayer: Lord thank you for loving me. Help me to always love you more than anyone or anything else. AMEN.
Love others as Jesus loved you!
Today’s devotion is based on the Message: Love Revealed (Watch Here)
Love one another AS you have been loved.
As the Apostle John said, (1 John 4:11) Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Love for others ONLY comes as a response to and result of God’s love for us. If we take the words, “We are to love everyone” without the definition and example of God’s love for us in Christ, we will fail to love as Jesus directs us to.
So what might that love look like as we love others?
First, let’s define love based on the last days of looking at God’s love for us.
Love is a choice to act on behalf of and seek the good of others, even at personal cost, regardless of their response or worthiness.
So what does agape love look in our relationships with others?
We are willing to put others first.
This direction doesn’t mean a person has no self-care or take time for themselves, but is willing to put the needs of others first rather live life with a focus on self and taking advantage of people for one’s own self interest. The Apostle Paul put it this way: Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Ground your love for others in truth.
Remember that part of loving is warning a person of the spiritual dangers of their behavior. Love is redirecting a person from the lies of Satan to the truth of God’s Word. Love is not based on your opinion but really helping someone understand and walk in the ways of the Lord. Just as we would want someone to love us enough to tell us the truth. Here’s some guidance from the Apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
Do not expect a return.
Love does not come with strings attached. When you show up for work and get paid, that is not love, that is a job. Love acts without expectation of repayment. Sure someone may respond with a gesture of thanks, but that’s not the motivation to act in love. Love acts without expecting a return. Again Paul writes, Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you
should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of
others.
Finally, love when it’s tough.
Sometimes people are an “extra love opportunity.” People you struggle to get along with or people who are outright mean to you are hard to love. Even in situations where you are with your spouse or best friend, they push your buttons and you feel like lashing out…it’s tough to love. Love calls us to love even when it is tough. Jesus said in Luke 6:32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
To say, “Love one another,” is easy. To do it is hard. But remember, the power and direction for loving others is AS Jesus has loved you. Let his love fill you so that you can fill others’ lives with his love. The result?
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Apply: What aspect of loving others is most challenging to you? Can you think of an example of how Jesus loved in that situation? How can it help you to love?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us so genuinely and deeply. I ask that your love would every day become more real for me so that I might love others just as you have loved me. AMEN.