In this chapter, on the Sea of Galilee, the risen Jesus questioned Peter three times, just as Peter had previously denied Jesus three times. Jesus addressed him each time theatrically as "Simon, son of Jonah", not as Peter, the name always previously used by Jesus. It was as if the scene was designed to humiliate Peter in front of the other disciples.
The first time, Jesus asked , "Do you love (agape) me more than these [the other disciples]?" Peter answered that he loves him, but only using the Greek word for friendly or brotherly love (philia). In exasperation, Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." With the meanings of sacred and brotherly love lost in the English translations, this last statement is usually interpreted as a sign of approval, quite the opposite of the original meaning.
Jesus again asked Peter, "Do you love me?" Again, sacred love (agape), but this time did not ask whether Peter loved Jesus more than the others. And again, Peter replied with the Greek word for brotherly love (philia).
In the third questioning, Jesus asked only whether Peter had brotherly love for him (philia). He accepted that this was the most that Peter would give.
When understood in this way, we realise that "Feed my sheep" was a sign of exasperation and does not refer to real or allegorical sheep.
In the Bible, the book of Acts Chapter 21 verse 17: The third time he (Jesus) said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." By these words Jesus both forgave Peter for his three denial of Him and told Peter to "Feed His sheep" or in other word "to take care of the church". Jesus chose Peter to care for His church.
It refers to Jesus being our shepherd and taking care of us
Peter is often seen as the leader of the early Christian church because Jesus entrusted him with the keys to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing his authority. Peter also demonstrated great courage and faith, serving as a key figure in spreading the message of Christianity after Jesus' death and resurrection.
Jesus liked children because they are innocent and pure of heart. And sheep represent us, needing a Shepperd, (meaning Him), to take care of us.
Jon 21, 15-19 (Following Jesus' Resurrection) 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." He that said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him "Yes, Lord, you know I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me" and he said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stetch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this,he said to him, "Follow me." Before Jesus' death Peter denied Jesus multiple times here after the Resurrection the Lord puts the question to him and he affirms Jesus multiple times and Jesus tells him to take care of his sheep. God told Peter he would be the shepherd over the whole flock.
The Bible describes shepherds as individuals who care for, protect, and guide a flock of sheep. They are expected to be diligent, selfless, and willing to sacrifice for the well-being of their sheep. Ultimately, shepherds are called to emulate the qualities of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Good Shepherd."
Sheep take care for their babes just like your mom and dad take care of you.
Jews and all gentiles.Another Answer:The agrarian society of Israel in the 1st Century A.D. would fully understand speech about shepherds, sheep, and lambs. Jesus even explained His original mission was to the entire House of Israel only at first:Matthew 15:24New International Version (NIV) 24 He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."These were God's 'Chosen' or 'wife' although the people abandoned Him. Upon Jesus' death, which ended the Old Covenant, His blood began the New Covenant now opened to Gentiles too. This is what He was speaking of in John 21 to Peter. Note a lamb is a unconverted Christian while the sheep are those already converted into the Church Jesus established for His Father:John 21:15-16New International Version (NIV) Jesus Reinstates Peter15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
JESUS gave Peter two jobs: 1)first,when JESUS was calling Peter for the first time,the job assigned to Peter and his brother by JESUS was to fish the people meaning that to attract people to the Heavens (Mathiew 4:19-20) 2)second,after the resurrection of JESUS,He asked Peter if he loves Him and then told him to take care from His sheep as JESUS is the good shepherd(John 21:15-18)
In the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd represents God or Jesus, who goes out in search of the one lost sheep, symbolizing the care and love that God has for each individual. This parable highlights the importance of seeking out and rescuing those who have strayed from the right path.
To take care of sheep, and shear the sheep. Also, to herd sheep. Therefore they are a Sheep herd, or Shepherd.
Jesus is portrayed as a shepherd because shepherds took great care to protect their flocks. They guided them to good pastures and shelter. Often, if there were wild animals in the area of their shelter, the shepherd would lie across the door or gate to protect his sheep. We are to follow Jesus as sheep follow their shepherd. He will guide us in the path of righteousness and give us salvation.