Scattered Sheep (part One)

I went into ministry with the purpose of reaching children and families for Jesus. To make disciples, and to develop and grow healthy christian relationships within families. God gave me this passion. Its what drives me.


John 21 15-19
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 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. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"


When I read the above passage, I feel like I have a realistic grasp of what was happening in this moment. I see Jesus restoring Peter to the ministry. I see Jesus comissioning Peter. I read of Jesus wisdom for the future that lie ahead.

But after nearly 20 years in ministry I read this a little differently now. I read Jesus' comments about feeding and caring for lambs and sheep in a new light. You might call it a modern perspective.

Jesus often made references to the shepherd/sheep relationship when he taught his disciples and those around him listening. (Matthew 9, 10, 12 15, 18 Mark 6, 14 Luke 15, 17 John 10, 21) Jesus himself was also referred to as the sacrificial Lamb of God. (Isaiah 53 John 1, Revelation 3)
As a person in ministry, its my job to feed the sheep. The problem today is that the sheep have new issues. Here are some examples of the "sheep" I have encountered in today's flock.

1. ADHD Sheep

This is the most common of modern day sheep. They are distracted by everyday things in the everyday life; schedules, vacations, soccer practices, piano recitals, boy/girl scouting, golf, homework, housework. These sheep fill their days with hundreds of distractions that keep their focus off of the Shepherd. They soon find their lives wandering down a busy path that precludes anytime for the Shepherd.

2. Fast food Sheep

Among sheep, its my opinion that this is the second most popular group of sheep. These sheep come to worship on Sundays. Their goal is to extract what sustenance they can to make it through the week. They may even be involved in Bible Studies, however, their personal "feeding times" are few and they stagger through their week gleaning what they can from sources other than the Shepherd Himself.

3. "The grass is greener" Sheep

These sheep were once on track with the Shepherd. They may have even followed the Shepherd closely and with devotion until one day, they noticed a "clover patch" outside the fold. Mind you, they keep their feet inside the fence, but their head is stretching through the fencing as far as they can reach to experience life outside the fold. These sheep can also be called "fence walker", however since sheep of this nature don't tend to have great balance, they stick to leaning on the fence. Unfortunately, for this sheep, the harder it leans on the fence the deeper the barbs from the fence dig into their wool until they dont realize the damage is done. Worst case, scenario, this sheep is able to bend the fence and get out, only they dont even realize it. They think they're still following the Shepherd, but they are really on their own.

4. Spooked Sheep

These are the sheep that hear news of anything and are unable to discern it or handle it, yet they try to handle everything on their own. This sheep is one of the most difficult to herd as any slight issue could cause a stampede. These sheep often drag others along with them. They get bad news and instead of relying on the Shepherd to meet their needs, they panic and ensue panic amongst the other sheep.

I am sure that none of these types of sheep are a surprise to our Shepherd. He seeks the safety, care and ultimately the redemption of each and every one.

So, the question for me remains.... how do I attempt to effectively feed these sheep? What is an effective diet for each of these sheep? Is it also my job to herd them and rescue them as the Good Shepherd does? Or should I simply point them to the shepherd?

As I ponder and pray this point, I have to say that any effort that I give to these sheep while I may have the best intention as a ministry leader will inevitably fall short if I dont point them to the Good Shepherd.

The primary need of each of these sheep with issues is to focus on the Shepherd. Jesus can use me as His "staff" to guide the sheep to a place where the Shepherd's voice can be heard. He can also use me as His rod of proctection for the sheep when they are headed for danger. I cannot, however, be the shepherd, only the tool of the Shepherd.


Zechariah 10:2 The idols speak deceit, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.