"Do You Love Me?"... Then Let's Roll Up Our Sleeves!

Peter probably thought breakfast on the beach sounded like a wonderful idea. After everything he had been through. the arrest of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the guilt of denying his Lord three times. a quiet meal beside the Sea of Galilee must have seemed like just what he needed. Then Jesus asked a question that changed everything.

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You!”

Jesus smiled and replied, “Feed My sheep.”

He asked again. “Yes, Lord.” “Take care of My sheep.”

A third time. “Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You.” “Feed My sheep.”

Notice something? Jesus didn’t say, “Wonderful! Now go find a comfortable chair, enjoy the view, and watch everyone else do the work.” He gave Peter a job.

If Jesus were walking through our Lord of Life church today, I wonder what He might say.

“Do you love Me?”  “Yes, Lord.”

“Great! There’s coffee to make.”

“There’s a child who needs a Sunday school teacher.”

“There’s a visitor who feels awkward standing alone.”

“There’s a choir that could use another voice, even if it’s not quite ready for Carnegie Hall.” 

“There’s a committee looking for fresh ideas.”

“There’s a neighbor who has been waiting for someone to invite them to church.”

Sometimes we think church growth is the pastor’s responsibility. Or the council’s. Or the evangelism committee’s. But Jesus didn’t gather a committee on that beach. He spoke to an ordinary fisherman and gave him an extraordinary mission. The same mission belongs to us.

Feeding Christ’s sheep isn’t just preaching sermons. It’s offering a handshake. Writing a note. Visiting someone who can’t get out. Bringing cookies to a newcomer. Listening to someone who’s hurting. Sharing your faith story. Offering to help when no one else notices the need.

And perhaps the simplest act of all is extending an invitation.

Many people are waiting for someone to say, “Would you like to come to church with me this Sunday?” They aren’t looking for a perfect church. They’re looking for hope, friendship, and a place where they are welcomed.

Our congregation has many gifts, but gifts only bless others when they are shared. Imagine what would happen if every member found just one place to serve and invited just one person to worship this year. The ripple effects would reach far beyond what any of us could imagine.

Jesus still asks each of us, “Do you love Me?”

Our answer isn’t measured only by what we say on Sunday morning. It’s revealed by what we do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday…and yes, next Sunday morning. 

So, let’s answer with more than words. Let’s feed His sheep. - Let’s welcome the stranger. - Let’s encourage the weary. - Let’s invite our neighbors. - Let’s roll up our sleeves!

And let’s discover that when we serve Christ together, we often receive a greater blessing than the one we set out to give. After all, the Good Shepherd is still gathering His flock. What a privilege that He invites us to help.

Lord’s Peace, Craig 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for trusting ordinary people to do extraordinary work in Your name. Give us willing hearts, open eyes, and eager hands. Help us to see opportunities to serve, to welcome those who are searching, and to invite others to experience Your love. May our congregation be known not only for what we believe, but for how faithfully we care for Your sheep.

In your holy name we pray, Amen