It is a mistake to think that Jesus brings pastoral ministry to the church as one distinct group meeting the needs of another distinct group.
There is only one group, one people.
Feeding Jesus’ sheep is a relationship of mutuality and community.
After having asked Peter three times, “Do you love me.” Jesus says, “Feed my lambs, look after my sheep, feed my sheep.” Having been assured of Peter’s love, Jesus gives him the task of min-istry. In the context of our own culture we might hear this in a very individualistic way, as if Peter now was being sent on a heroic mission. But when Jesus speaks about shepherding, he does not want us to think about a brave, lonely shepherd who takes care of a large flock of obedient sheep. In many ways, he makes it clear that ministry is a communal and mutual experience..
Henri J. M. Nouwen, In The Name Of Jesus – Reflections On Christian Leadership, The Crossroad Publishing Company NY, 1989, pg 57.
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