In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri J. M. Nouwen

​The Task: Feed My Sheep
Our Lord Jesus Christ asked Peter three times “Do you love me.?”  He then says to him “Feed my lambs, look after my sheep, feed my sheep.” Our Lord Jesus after being assured by Peter of love, Jesus gives him the task of ministry. Sadly, our modern way and secular culture that promotes individualism we are thinking that Peter has been sent out on his own, to do mission.  However, this is far from the vision of Jesus Christ, when he 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. Jesus in the Gospels sends the twelve and the 72 disciples two by two.  We cannot bring good news on our own, we are called to proclaim the Gospel together in community.  The Word says, “If two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them.” (Matt 18 vs.19-20) When you travel alone the journey seems long and boring, but when you travel in the company of another the journey is full of wonder and colour. It is easy to fall into temptation when you travel alone on this road, it is easy to fight temptation when you travel with others. We all need one another, to pray, to encourage, to stay focused on the journey, but also to remember that it is Jesus that heals not the Priests, it is Jesus who is Lord. Whenever we minister together, it is easier to people to recognize that we do not come in our own name, but of the Lord Jesus Christ who has sent us.
Henri J. M. Nouwen