Jenny Jeffery

John 21:15-17
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:15-17&version=31

Matthew 14:22-34
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2014:22-34%20;&version=31;;

I have been fortunate to visit the Holy Land twice and both these readings were hugely significant to me whilst I was there and over the years since. They were very important to me as they became part of my call to the ordained ministry.

John 21:15-17
On the shores of Lake Galilee I listened to these verses - a conversation between Jesus and Peter. The conversation became one between Jesus and myself.
Read the passage yourself and insert your own name instead of Peter.
Ask God to show you what “Feed my sheep” means for you? For each of us it will be different, but we are all called to be part of the mission to help build the Kingdom of God.
For me it became part of my call to ordination and I have those words “Feed my Sheep” embroidered on one of my stoles.

Matthew 14:22-34
Whilst in a boat on Lake Galilee I reflected on these verses from the Gospels.
V28 “Lord if it is really you calling me, order me to come out of the water (boat) to you”
V29 “come “ answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking.
The boat felt like my safe, comfort zone, the familiar things in my life. Yet I knew I had to reach out to Jesus, to take a risk, to put my life more than ever before into his hands.
V31 at once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said “How little faith you have – why did you doubt?”
Here was a new test of my faith – it was more than just a toe in the water! A new direction, new possibilities to explore but also a new assurance and confidence that this call to ministry was from God himself.
V”1 “Don’t be afraid I am with you “ I will hold you resound in my ears frequently.

Incidentally if I had been born a boy apparently I would have been called Peter!