THE SHEPHERD

Isaiah 40:11

Introduction:

What a humbling title for our Lord Jesus Christ to take for himself! The work of a shepherd is a lowly life that is usually practiced by people who have not had a great education in life and who are somewhat impoverished. It is a hard life because it requires one to be exposed to the elements, hot or cold, rain or shine, in order to properly protect and care for the sheep.

There are three different titles in Scripture that our Lord takes to Himself. 1. He is the GOOD shepherd- John 10:11,14. 2. He is the GREAT shepherd- Hebrews 13:20. 3. He is the CHIEF shepherd- I Peter 5:4. These three descriptions are the foundation of our study on this great subject.

I. THE GOOD SHEPHERD- John 10:11,14

He is the good shepherd because He is the Son of God, chosen of the Father and appointed to take care of the elect Church and therefore highly qualified.

He is the good shepherd because He carefully leads, feeds and preserves His flock. See Psalm 23:1,2

He is the good shepherd because He gives his life for the sheep. King David was called the Shepherd of Israel, Psalm 80:1, and was known for having killed a bear and a lion to protect his father’s flocks, I Samuel 17:34-37. Yet, never was there one like our Lord Jesus Christ who actually gave his life for the salvation of His flock. He gave it freely and voluntarily, for the sake of the sheep; in their room and stead, as a ransom for them, that they may be delivered from death, and might have eternal life. This is particular redemption! John 10:18

II. THE GREAT SHEPHERD- Hebrews 13:20- The term “great” may imply any one of three things:

One of great ability, virtue, authority and power- This aptly describes our Lord Jesus in his ability not only to save His people but keep them so as to never lose one, John 6:39. Although his flock is comparatively a little one, it is nonetheless a flock of immortal souls, over which Christ is placed as the Shepherd and Bishop, I Peter 2:25.

His abilities to feed them are exceeding great.

He has a perfect knowledge of them

He has all power to protect and defend them

He has a fullness of grace with which to supply them

He takes diligent care of each of them personally

One who is highly important and to be revered- John 10:16,27

One who is excellent above all- He finds His lost sheep, He heals their diseases, His all seeing eye watches over them, and He gives an account to His Father for each one, Luke 15:1-6; Ezekiel 34:16.

III. THE CHIEF SHEPHERD- I Peter 5:4

Let other shepherds (pastors) remember that they are but Christ’s servants. They must serve Him.

His person, His doctrine, and His work are to be valued above all else, John 5:23.