Shepherding Series-1, “Feed My Lambs”

Messenger: Mark Vucekovich (Chicago UBF Senior Pastor)

“FEED MY LAMBS”

*Introduction to Shepherding Series 2025: https://www.chicagoubf.org/sermon/introduction-to-shepherding-series-2025
Ephesians 4:1-16
Key Verse: 4:12, “...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…”

John 21:1–25
Key Verse: 21:15, ^“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

1. How is this event introduced (1–3)? How does Jesus help his disciples, and what happens (4–6)? How do they respond (7–8)? On land, what do they see, and what does Jesus say (9–10)? How is their catch described (11)? Describe this meal (12–14); what is Jesus “revealing” to them here (1 John 4:19)?

2. After breakfast, what dialogue do Jesus and Simon Peter have (15–17)? Why does Jesus ask this three times, and why is Peter “grieved”? How does feeding and tending lambs/sheep illustrate caring for people? Why does Jesus repeat that they are “mine”?

3. Read verse 15 again. To feed and tend his lambs, what relationship with Jesus do we need, and how can we have such a relationship? Why is it important to feed his lambs out of love for Jesus?

4. What does Jesus tell Peter and why (18–19)? What does Peter see and say, and why (20–21)? How does Jesus answer him (22)? What can we learn here about following Jesus? How did the brothers misunderstand Jesus’ words (23)? How does the chapter end (24–25)? In light of this, what should we do?