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Shepherds

Shepherds in Scripture represent both faithful leaders who care for God's people and unfaithful ones who neglect their flock. Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows and sacrifices for His sheep.

Overview

The shepherd metaphor appears throughout Scripture to describe spiritual leadership. God calls shepherds to feed, protect, and care for those entrusted to them. However, many biblical leaders failed in this responsibility, prompting God's judgment against false shepherds who served themselves rather than their flock.

Key Scriptures

"Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: Behold, I, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you push with side and shoulder, and thrust at all the weak with your horns, till you have scattered them abroad" (Ezekiel 34:20-21, ESV).

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11, ESV).

"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' Then Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them...When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home'" (Luke 15:1-6, NIV).

Application

Christian leaders must examine their hearts to ensure they shepherd God's flock out of genuine love and devotion to Christ, not selfish ambition.

Scripture References 40

Zechariah 11:15 Zechariah 11:16 Zechariah 11:17 Isaiah 56:11 Jeremiah 50:6 Ezekiel 34:2 Ezekiel 34:10 Zechariah 11:7 Zechariah 11:8 Luke 15:2 Luke 15:3 Luke 15:4 Luke 15:5 Luke 15:6 Luke 15:7 Ezekiel 34:12 Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 34:15 Ezekiel 34:16 Isaiah 40:11 Genesis 46:34 Ezekiel 34:16 Leviticus 27:32 Psalms 23:4 1 Samuel 17:34 1 Samuel 17:35 1 Samuel 17:36 Amos 3:12 Song of Solomon 1:8 Isaiah 38:12 Genesis 4:2 Psalms 77:20 Psalms 78:52 Psalms 80:1 1 Samuel 17:20 John 10:14 Genesis 29:6 1 Samuel 16:11 1 Samuel 17:15

Full Topical Reference List 64 total — Nave's Topical Bible

(Ignorant and foolish,) of bad ministers

Ezekiel 34:2 Ezekiel 34:10 Isaiah 56:11 Jeremiah 50:6 Zechariah 11:7 Zechariah 11:8 Zechariah 11:15 Zechariah 11:16 Zechariah 11:17

(Searching out straying sheep,) of Christ seeking the lost

Ezekiel 34:12 Luke 15:2 Luke 15:3 Luke 15:4 Luke 15:5 Luke 15:6 Luke 15:7

(Their care and tenderness,) of tenderness of Christ

Ezekiel 34:13 Ezekiel 34:14 Ezekiel 34:15 Ezekiel 34:16 Isaiah 40:11

An abomination to the Egyptians

Genesis 46:34

Attending them when sick

Ezekiel 34:16

Carried a staff or rod

Leviticus 27:32 Psalms 23:4

Defending them when attacked by wild beasts

1 Samuel 17:34 1 Samuel 17:35 1 Samuel 17:36 Amos 3:12

Dwelt in tents while tending their flocks

Isaiah 38:12 Song of Solomon 1:8

Early mention of

Genesis 4:2

Going before and leading them

Psalms 77:20 Psalms 78:52 Psalms 80:1

Had hired keepers under them

Knowing them

John 10:14

Members of the family both male and female acted as

1 Samuel 16:11 1 Samuel 17:15 Genesis 29:6

Numbering them when they return from pasture

Of Christ as the good shepherd

Ezekiel 34:23 Hebrews 13:20 John 10:14 Zechariah 13:7

Of God as leader of Israel

Psalms 77:20 Psalms 80:1

Of kings as the leaders of the people

Isaiah 44:28 Jeremiah 6:3 Jeremiah 49:19

Of ministers of the gospel

Jeremiah 23:4

Searching them out when lost and straying

Ezekiel 34:12 Luke 15:4 Luke 15:5

Seeking out good pasture for them

1 Chronicles 4:39 1 Chronicles 4:40 1 Chronicles 4:41 Psalms 23:2

Tenderness to the ewes in lamb, and to the young

Genesis 33:13 Genesis 33:14 Psalms 78:71

The unfaithfulness of hireling, alluded to

John 10:12

Usually carried a scrip or bag

Watching over them by night

Luke 2:8

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