Jesus directed in John 21:17 to “Feed my sheep.” He assigned the task to Simon Peter, but followers for 2,000 years have taken the teaching as their own. Most likely, he meant metaphorically ...

The third ask of Jesus to Peter, “Feed My Sheep (v.17)”, implies the sum of the command itself and emphasizes continual care for Jesus’s mature people.

But here’s the thing: Jesus’ words to Peter, “Tend my sheep,” are not meant as words of demand as in, “Now, do this too.” But instead, Jesus’ words are of grace for Peter, of freedom.

Rather than kicking them around, Jesus feeds them. He then confirms (three times) Peter's love for him. Assuring himself of Peter's love for Christ, each time he reminds Peter to feed Jesus' sheep.

Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep ...

In his final conversation with the apostle Peter, Jesus asks whether Peter loves him. “Yes, Lord,” says Peter, “you know that I love you.” Jesus replies, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15–19).