"Feed, Tend, Follow" (May 4, 2025 Sermon)

The Neighborhood Podcast

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

The charcoal fire crackles as Jesus prepares breakfast on the shoreline. Peter, still dripping from his impulsive swim to shore, sits uncomfortably awaiting judgment for his three denials. But instead of condemnation, Jesus offers reconciliation through a simple meal and three profound questions: "Do you love me?" With each affirmative answer, Jesus commissions Peter with action verbs that define discipleship across millennia: Feed. Tend. Follow.
This powerful narrative from John 21:1-19 reveals how Jesus restores broken relationships through grace rather than shame. The symmetry is striking - three denials matched by three questions, followed by three commissions. Through this exchange, Jesus transforms Peter's failure into a foundation for ministry, culminating in the sobering reminder that true discipleship often leads where we "do not wish to go." The call to follow requires relinquishing control and embracing discomfort.
Fast forward to today, where these ancient commands find modern expression in a congregation's decision to welcome homeless men into their church building for temporary shelter. What does it mean to truly "feed my sheep" in a world of systemic poverty? How might "tend my flock" look when applied to neighbors we typically keep at a distance? This sermon explores how one church's commitment to Matthew 25 principles—building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty—manifests in practical hospitality.
The message challenges us to move beyond comfortable, theoretical neighborliness toward the messy, intricate work of proximity and presence. Through providing meals, washing linens, donating supplies, and offering prayers, communities can embody Peter's commission. As we consider how Christ might be appearing on our own shorelines, asking "Do you love me?" we're reminded that our answer must extend beyond words into tangible acts of service. Will you join in feeding, tending, and following?

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Chapters

1. Scripture Reading: John 21:1-19 (00:00:00)

2. Peter's Leap of Faith (00:04:10)

3. Come and Have Breakfast (00:06:05)

4. Follow Me: The Call to Discipleship (00:09:22)

5. Our Church's Mission as Matthew 25 (00:11:02)

6. Feed, Tend, Follow: Summer Shelter Project (00:14:40)