I don’t know about you, but smell is one of my strongest senses.

I love the smell of coffee shops, carnations, freshly mowed grass, good perfume (no musk, please—I’m allergic), freshly baked cinnamon rolls, Christmas cookies, vanilla, and Ray’s cologne.

What I don’t enjoy are farm animal smells, skunks, cigars, waste, spoilage, sickness, or death. Yes, death has a smell.

Over the years, God has gently reminded me that relationships are often more important than comfort. Sometimes He places us in situations where we have to look beyond what we find unpleasant and focus instead on the people He loves.

That brings me to sheep.

Like it or not, sheep smell.

Our Great Shepherd knows that. Yet He still chooses to walk among us and call us His own.

John 21:15-17 tells us that after His resurrection, Jesus gave Peter a simple but profound command: “Feed My lambs. Tend My sheep. Feed My Sheep.”

First, he was to feed the lambs.

Lambs are young and dependent. They cannot survive without care and nourishment. In the same way, new believers need loving Christians who will come alongside them, teach them God’s Word and how to apply it in their lives, answer their questions, and encourage them to become more like Jesus.

Next, Jesus told Peter to tend His sheep.

Adult sheep require a different kind of care. Sheep are known for wandering, and so are we. Left to ourselves, we can easily drift from God’s best for our lives. Throughout my journey, God has placed faithful shepherds around me—friends, family members, pastors, teachers, and mentors. They have lovingly corrected me, challenged me, and occasionally used their shepherd’s staff to pull this stubborn sheep back from the edge.

Then Jesus said, “Feed My sheep.”

Adult sheep no longer need milk, but they still require steady nourishment to remain healthy and strong. The same is true spiritually. We need a regular diet of prayer, Scripture, worship, fellowship, and encouragement from other believers. These are the things God uses to sustain us and help us grow.

As I think about sheep, I’m reminded of something important. The shepherd knows His sheep. He knows where we’ve wandered. He knows our weaknesses. He knows our stubbornness. And yes, He knows we smell like sheep.

Yet, He still calls us His own. The Gentle Shepherd does not turn away from us because of our flaws. He is always near, He cares for us, and through it all He faithfully leads us home.

All we need to do is follow.

Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us. Give us the wisdom to learn from those You have placed in our lives and the humility to accept their guidance. Lead us in the paths You have prepared for us. May our lives bring honor and glory to You in all we say and do. In the precious name of Jesus, our Shepherd, make it so.

I first wrote this post on October 26, 2011. Today I’ve revisited it and made a few updates.