That is why the last chapter of John,21:17,containing the words Jesus said to Peter,""Feed my sheep." is so incredibly significant.
Jesus came down to find the lost sheep of the tribes of Israel,who had heard the voice of God,yet they had gotten lost. Jesus knew without a visible Church and visible leaders other new sheep would also get lost from the fold. To prevent "deja vu" (all over again)He gave Peter the responsibility and the means to guide us all back to Him,Who Is.