DAILY TEXT, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Shepherd my sheep (John 21:16).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2025

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Feed my little sheep (John 21:16).

The apostle Peter told other Christian elders: “Shepherd the flock of God.” (1 Pet. 5:1-4) We know that elders love their brothers and sisters and want to shepherd them. But sometimes they may feel they can’t fulfill that responsibility because they are too busy or tired. If that’s the case, what can you do? Tell Jehovah how you feel. Peter wrote: “If anyone serves others, let him do it as one relying on God’s strength.” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Your brothers may be experiencing problems that cannot be solved in this system. But remember that Jesus Christ, “the Chief Shepherd,” can do much more for them than you can, both now and in the New World. Jehovah expects elders to love their brothers, shepherd them, and be “examples to the flock.” w23:09 29, 30 pars. 13, 14.

Why can it be difficult for elders to shepherd their brothers?

Peter surely never forgot what Jesus told him after his resurrection: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:16). If you are an elderly person, you know you must follow this instruction as well. But it can be difficult to find time to fulfill this important responsibility. First and foremost, the elderly must attend to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their families.

In addition, they must lead by example in preaching and prepare well to teach at meetings and present speeches at assemblies. Some also serve on Hospital Liaison Committees or with the Local Department of Design and Construction. Undoubtedly, the elderly are very busy people.

What does an elder do to shepherd the flock? (See also the image.)

William, an experienced elder, places great importance on shepherding the flock. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, he and the other elders in his congregation felt it was vital to contact all the publishers in their preaching groups every week. Why? He explains: “Many brothers were alone in their homes, with nothing but their thoughts for company. It was easy for them to think negatively.”

When a brother has problems, William listens attentively to find out exactly what he needs and what concerns him. He then looks for something specific to help him, usually a video on our website. William adds: “Shepherding is more important now than ever. We work hard to help people come to know Jehovah. We should do something similar to shepherd the flock, to help Jehovah's sheep remain in the truth.”

In what ways might we put into practice what we have learned in Peter's letters?

In this article, we've only extracted a few lessons from Peter's two letters. Perhaps you've seen some areas where you can improve. For example, would you like to meditate more on the wonderful life we'll have in the New World? Have you considered preaching informally at work, school, or elsewhere? Have you thought of other ways to demonstrate intense love for the brothers and sisters?

And if you are an older man, are you determined to shepherd Jehovah’s sheep willingly and diligently? If, upon honest self-examination, you find yourself falling short, don’t be discouraged. Remember “how kind the Lord is” and that he will help you improve. (1 Pet. 2:3) Peter assures us: “God will complete your training. He will establish you, he will make you strong, he will set you on a firm foundation.” (1 Pet. 5:10).

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