Why is it important to see Christ in the call to feed the flock?

The call to feed the flock is not merely a call to provide general knowledge or moral lessons; it's an imperative to present Christ as the source of spiritual nourishment. In John 6:53-56, Jesus emphasizes that only by partaking of Him—through His flesh and blood—can one have eternal life. This underscores the need for preachers and believers to share the vibrant truths of Christ's work, ensuring that the congregation is fed with 'food from afar' that comes from heaven. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 represents this calling, as she rises to feed her household, illustrating how the church must provide the body of Christ to its members, thereby nurturing faith and spiritual vitality. Without Christ at the center, what is offered is merely husk and devoid of true sustenance.