The Shepherd’s Duty: Feeding the Sheep

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? " "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. (John 21:15 NLT)

I’ve been watching online videos of various preachers being careful to observe the various aspects of their preaching. I have enjoyed watching one preacher who is a highly educated and very eloquent preacher, and one who is gifted with the ability to communicate with stories and illustrations barely using notes. The words flowed from his lips and he said many great things. I’m sure the congregation also enjoyed listening to him as I did. The problem though, is that there was very little exposition of the Word of God, if any. What distinguishes a biblical sermon from something one may get at a gathering of toastmasters? It is tragic to see people spend a great deal of time, money and effort getting education and degrees in theology and then forsake the Word of God in a sermon. Our calling as preachers is to feed the Lord’s flock. In referring to Christ as the true and only Shepherd of the sheep, Calvin remarks that

We have seen also why he takes this name to himself. If, is, because he feeds, that is, he governs his sheep, because he is the only true food of the soul. But because he employs the agency of men in preaching doctrine, he conveys to them also his own name, or, at least, shares it with them. Those men, therefore, are reckoned to be Pastors in the sight of God, who govern the Church by the ministry of the word under Christ, who is their Head. Hence we may easily infer what is the burden which Christ lays on Peter, and on what condition he appoints him to govern his flock. (commentary on John)

The Confession also deals with this matter:

How is the word made effectual to salvation? A. The spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them to his image, and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace, and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (WLC 155)

We can choose as preachers to do that which is popular or that which draws attention to ourselves or we can point people to Christ by magnifying His Word. A parent in their right mind would not choose to feed a continual diet of candy to their children. I love Reese’s peanut butter cups, but if that is all I eat, I’ll have temporary pleasure and long-term displeasure. Job says, "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12 NAS) This is the kind of attitude we should foster in the minds of our congregation. If we believe in sola Scriptura, then that should be the heart of our preaching. For the preacher, the pulpit is a place of fear and trembling because we will be called to account for what we do when we stand behind it.