Our Call to Care !

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?’” Gen 4:9

Yesterday, we read about Jesus’s conversation with Peter. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, and each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus responds with instructions: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” These words may seem repetitive at first glance, but each carries profound meaning, reflecting different aspects of Peter’s ministry and Jesus’ broader call to care for His followers.When Jesus first says, “Feed my lambs,” He uses the word “lambs” to denote the younger, more vulnerable members of His flock. Lambs are symbolic of new believers, those who are just beginning their spiritual journey. They need special attention, nourishment, and protection, as they are more susceptible to spiritual harm or confusion. Jesus, by using this term, is calling Peter to take special care of those who are spiritually immature or new to the faith, ensuring they are nurtured with the truth and love of the Gospel. This reflects Peter’s role in establishing and growing the early church, where new converts would need careful guidance.The second time Jesus speaks, He shifts the focus slightly with the command, “Tend my sheep.” Here, Jesus uses the broader term “sheep,” referring not just to the young or new believers, but to the entire body of believers, including those more mature in faith. The word “tend” carries a shepherding connotation, implying that Peter is not only to feed the sheep but also to guide, protect, and oversee them. The responsibility of shepherding requires more than just feeding; it involves leadership, correction, and care. Peter is being charged with the overall care of Christ’s followers, acting as a shepherd who watches over and safeguards the flock, guiding them in the right path and protecting them from spiritual dangers. Finally, Jesus says, “Feed my sheep.” Once again, He refers to “sheep,” but the emphasis returns to the need for nourishment. Even mature believers require ongoing spiritual nourishment and growth. Just as physical sheep need continual feeding and sustenance, so too do those who are more established in the faith. Peter is being tasked not only with caring for new believers but with ensuring that all believers, regardless of their spiritual maturity, are continually fed with sound teaching, the Word of God, and spiritual encouragement. The mature in faith are not exempt from the need for guidance and sustenance; they too require constant feeding to maintain their spiritual health and to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ.

It easy enough for us all to agree that the repetition of the question, “Do you love me?” mirrors Peter’s three denials and underscores the seriousness of the task at hand. Jesus is not simply calling Peter to a general role of leadership, but to a specific mission of caring for His people in all stages of their spiritual life. From the youngest, most vulnerable lambs to the mature sheep, Peter is being entrusted with the duty of feeding, tending, and shepherding the flock of God.

We also should see a broader lesson for all those who are called to leadership or pastoral care in the Christian community. Caring for God’s people requires more than just a surface-level commitment; it involves deep love, continual guidance, and a commitment to nourishing both the spiritually young and mature.

The point is; are we all called to be a shepherd or carer for the body of Christ. Are we our brothers keeper? While not every believer is called to be a shepherd in the formal sense, as Peter and other church leaders were, all Christians are, in various ways, called to care for one another and to participate in the life and growth of the body of Christ. Paul, in Corinthians, explains that every member of the body has a role to play, and that no part is unnecessary. Each believer is gifted by the Holy Spirit in different ways for the common good, and these gifts are to be used to edify and care for one another. Some may be gifted in teaching, others in encouragement, others in acts of service or hospitality, but all of these gifts contribute to the growth and health of the Church.

Each believer is equipped and called to serve in various ways, contributing to the health and growth of the Church. This shared responsibility reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in supporting and caring for the others. Through this mutual care, the Church reflects the love and unity of Christ to the world.

May we, as the body of Christ, embrace the call to care for, nurture, and support one another in our walk with God. helping each other grow in faith and remain steadfast. May we be sensitive to the needs of those around us, encouraging the weak, lifting the weary, and standing firm together in unity.
May God empower each of us with the wisdom, patience, and grace to fulfill this calling, and may the Holy Spirit guide us as we serve one another in humility and love. Amen.