This is the cornerstone of New Testament pastoral ministry and should not be taken lightly. See here that Jesus is not merely commanding Peter to work, He is giving him the authority with which to do the work as well. Peter would forever be able to defend his ministry and say that the Lord Jesus had Himself charged Peter to shepherd the people of God. With so many forces working to undermine the authority of pastors today, we must take heed to these words. The pastoral role is God ordained.
We find a very fitting statement from Peter in I Pet. 5:2-4, "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away." Peter is delivering the same commission that he received personally from Jesus, to the next generation of shepherds. It is important to learn from the words of Jesus and Peter that they are God's sheep, and they have been entrusted to us. Pastoral ministry is a stewardship. Also, Peter reminds us that Christ is the Chief Shepherd and is therefore to be our example as shepherds. Paul had this relationship in mind when he said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (I Cor. 11:1).
What is a shepherd then, and what is the example that Christ has given us to follow? It should be stated first, that if we are shepherds, then indeed the people of God are sheep, and this metaphor is just as comprehensive for the sheep as it is for the shepherd. Shepherds exist because the sheep have needs. These are needs which do not get properly met meet if the sheep are left to themselves. Looking at Psalm 23 from the perspective of the sheep gives us great insight into the needs of God's flock. The sheep need rest and they need to be given food and drink which is safe for them, because they easily harm themselves in search of nourishment (v.