Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Christian Leadership


This is the shore of the Sea of Tiberius (Galilee) viewed from a boat that is modeled after the boats the disciples would have used for fishing.
In the last chapter of John's Gospel (21) Peter is typically so impetuous that, when he sees the Risen Christ on the shore, he can't wait.  He jumps in and swims to shore.  Echoing the three times Peter denied knowing Jesus, he now three times tells Jesus that he loves him.  Three times Jesus tells him to shepherd his followers. Love of Jesus is the first requirement for being a leader in the community of Christ's followers.  Jesus says "Feed my sheep."  He doesn't give the sheep to Peter.  The followers always belong to Jesus.
While the community behind the writing of 4th Gospel want to be clear that they accept Peter's leadership, they seem to want a lot of love to soften Matthew's "on this rock I will build my church." (16:18)

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