The disciple is a feeder. As we are called to SEED (love) we are also called to FEED (abide). We are called to ABIDE in fellowship with God and man. We also abide in prayer and the Word, abide in discipleship, abide in love and holiness, and abide that our witness might be confirmed.

The condition to feeding is loving the Lord Jesus.¹ On three occasions in this text as the Lord Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, he replied, 'Yes, Lord'. And then the Lord says, 'Feed My lambs', 'Tend My Sheep', and finally, 'Feed My Sheep'. Our job is one of feeding and tending the lambs and sheep, or others and ourselves. Whatever the age, young and old, we feed all the flock.

There are several kinds of feed to know and understand. They are:

1) Milk ²
2) Meat ³
3) Other Gospels ⁴
4) Warnings about good and careless feeding ⁵

Feeding is for strength and growth. It causes faith, confidence, boldness, and gives hope. Anything that does not have food will wither and die.⁶ Abiding in Christ is feeding on His Word, His Presence and His Power.

 1. John 21:15-17
 2. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Hebrews 5:14
 3. Hebrews 5:14, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
 4. Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 6:2-5, 2 Timothy 4:1-8
 5. Ezekiel 34:7-10, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, James 3:1, John 10:1-24
 6. John 15:1-11

© Copyright 2001 Lighthouse Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Return to the top