10/23/2026
Friday, October 23 ~ PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL FOOD
“ … Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:17
Peter was both a fisherman and an apostle. As a fisherman, Peter worked hard to bring in the catch to feed physically hungry people; his effort met a daily need. As an apostle, Peter worked hard to preach the Gospel message and feed spiritually hungry people; his evangelism met an eternal need. When Peter experienced spiritual weakness, he denied his relationship with Christ, leaving him spiritually hungry. When Jesus restored Peter as he fished, Jesus fed Peter spiritually and physically; the reinstatement conversation took place at a meal when Jesus cooked breakfast for him. Jesus told him simply, “Feed my sheep.”
For Peter, food and a new spiritual beginning met in a single experience, just as the food bought with Harvest funds has the potential to do for those who receive it. Harvest follows in Peter’s footsteps. We raise money to feed physically hungry people around the world, and IDES provides food to share the Gospel message to spiritually hungry people. Pray that those who receive food purchased with the money we raise might feed the recipients both physically and spiritually as IDES shares the Gospel with them.
Brian Messner, Elder, Lincoln Christian Church
