Shepherds

I imagine that we're all well-versed in Jesus' words to Peter recorded in John 21:15-17.  It takes place after Jesus' resurrection, and he instructs Peter, "feed my lambs ... feed my sheep ... feed my sheep."

Notice that Jesus never says, "Feed my flock."  Instead, he is very clear and precise - his orders are to feed his sheep.  Now, this may sound like a rather small thing to point out, but really it is a hinge upon which a door of truth swings open or shut.  Because only the Chief Shepherd has the right and responsibility for the flock.  We undershepherds are only expected to shepherd sheep.  Individuals, not a group.

This takes "congregation" entirely out of the shepherding equation.  Jesus did not assign the task of pastoring churches, but of shepherding individuals.  You can throw any number of individuals into the formula, and it doesn't affect the outcome; pastoring is not a function of numbers.  Anywhere from two (or maybe one, depending upon how literally you want to take the plural reference to lambs and sheep) to at least one sheep short of the entire flock of God will not in any way influence the result of calculating out the shepherding equation.

"Pastor" is not a title, nor a church office, nor the title of the man who sits in the church office preparing sermons.  It is  Jesus' marching orders to his sheep, that they care for each other the same way that he does.  In this way, both the caregiver and the care-receiver grow to be more like the Shepherd of the Flock as he leads them where he will.

To him alone belongs the responsibility - and the ability - to shepherd the flock.  To lead the flock to green grass and clear water.  To protect the flock from harm.  To give the flock a home.

To us is given the honor - and the order - to show each other how to eat the grass and drink the water.  How to rely on the Good Shepherd's strength and wisdom.  How to follow him to "the house of the Lord,"  where we will dwell forever.