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Shepherds & Sheep

Explore the biblical symbolism of shepherds and sheep, focusing on Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd and the qualities of leadership and salvation illustrated through this metaphor. Reflect on the duties of believers as sheep and shepherds, drawing insight from scripture passages that emphasize Jesus' sacrificial spirit, healing, instruction, and unity within the church. Learn about the dangers of false prophets and apostles, with guidance on spiritual discernment and staying true to the teachings of Christ.

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Shepherds & Sheep

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  1. Shepherds & Sheep

  2. Introduction • David famously declared, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” (Psa. 23:1-6). • Exhorting all men to praise God, the 100th Psalm affirms, “We are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (Psa. 100:1-5, esp. vs. 3).

  3. Introduction • The New Testament echoes these themes, applying the symbolism of shepherds to our Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:11, 14-15), and to those in positions of spiritual leadership who watch in behalf of our souls (John 21:15-17; Acts 20:25-32).

  4. Introduction • In contrast with unbelievers who neither hear nor heed, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:24-30, esp. vs. 26-27). • When our Lord depicted the final judgment, sheep symbolize the saved (Matt. 25:31-33).

  5. Introduction • In this lesson, we consider those qualities manifested by Jesus Christ, the Good/Great Shepherd of the sheep. • By extension, let us also reflect upon our corresponding duty, as sheep and/or shepherds.

  6. The Good/Great Shepherd • In contrast with hirelings, thieves and robbers, Jesus Christ is the True Shepherd of the sheep (John 10:1-6, esp. vs. 2, 3, & 4).

  7. The Good/Great Shepherd • His sacrificial spirit differs from false shepherds who are interested only in themselves: • Hired hands flee from danger (John 10:11-13) while thieves/robbers devour and destroy (John 10:1, 7-10).

  8. Bringing Salvation • Jesus Christ brings the promise of eternal salvation to sinful men. This message was first preached to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt. 10:5-7; cf. Acts 3:25-26; Rom. 1:16). • Yet, even with the restricted nature of His earthly ministry, Jesus showed mercy to those who humbly sought His favor (Matt. 15:21-28, esp. vs. 24).

  9. Healing the Sick • Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, healed those who were sick, lame, blind, etc. (Matt. 12:9-14, esp. vs. 11 & 12). • Shepherds care for the flock, nursing the sick to renewed health; in like manner, Jesus (the Great Physician) cares for our various needs (Matt. 9:10-13).

  10. Providing Instruction • Seeing the people, Jesus felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things (Mark 6:33-34). • Christians should evidence similar commitment (Matt. 9:36-38).

  11. Giving His Life • Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11, 14-15, 17-18). • He is thus our Protector and our Propitiation (Acts 8:26-35, esp. vs. 32 & 35; cf. Isa. 53).

  12. Creating One Flock • Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, has but one flock (John 10:16; cf. 17:20-21). • Denominational division was unknown in the New Testament; instead, believers were united in one body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23; 2:13-18; 4:4-6).

  13. Equipping the Flock • The Great Shepherd equips His flock in every good thing to do His will (Heb. 13:20-21). • The Greek word here translated “equip” means “to cause to be in a condition to function well,” • either by restoring a damaged object to its former serviceable condition, • or to put something into proper working order. • Disciples are made complete in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11).

  14. Leaving an Example • As the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, Jesus left an example of patience and purity. • When tested and tried, we should follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21-25).

  15. Dangers Facing the Flock • Being Devoured • Being Scattered

  16. Danger of Being Devoured • Jesus Himself said, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” • Spiritual perceptiveness is our key defense: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15-20).

  17. Danger of Being Devoured • False apostles and deceitful workers held sway at Corinth, subjecting the brethren to abuse, enslavement, and potential destruction. Paul urged the brethren to look behind the illusionary mask and recognize spiritual reality (2 Cor. 11:18-21). • Knowledge is key to overcoming error (John 8:31-32). The light of truth dispels darkness (2 Cor. 4:1-6).

  18. Danger of Being Devoured • Commissioning the apostles, Jesus said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16-23). • Although we possess not the promise of direct divine guidance, as did the inspired apostles, we have something even better: • the fully-revealed message of Christ (1 Cor. 13:8-10), • the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25), • the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

  19. Danger of Being Scattered • When Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was betrayed into the hands of His enemies, the disciples were scattered (Matt. 30-35, 47, 55-56). • This Messianic prophecy, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, occurs in the 13th chapter of Zechariah, which opens with a bold denunciation of false prophets, and closes with a dire description of their effects (Zech. 13:1-9, esp. vs. 7).

  20. Danger of Being Scattered • In a variety of ways and for assorted reasons, disciples continue to forsake the Lord. • Recognizing the danger of apostasy, let us resolve to remain faithful. • Avoiding overconfidence and evidencing integrity, let us exemplify the attitude of David (Psa. 101).

  21. Danger of Being Scattered • Foreshadowing a future falling away, Paul spoke of the means by which such danger is confronted: warning brethren of danger, and being constantly nourished on words of faith and sound doctrine (1 Tim. 4:1-11).

  22. Defenses Provided to the Flock • Duty of Shepherds • Duty of Sheep

  23. Duty of Shepherds • Spiritual shepherds are responsible for tending and feeding the flock (John 21:15-17). • Simon Peter had a two-fold duty: • as an apostle of Jesus Christ, serving the needs of all mankind (2 Pet. 1:1-3), and • as an elder of the Lord’s church, serving the local congregation of which he was a member (1 Pet. 5:1-4).

  24. Duty of Shepherds • Elders/overseers/pastors are charged with protecting and defending the flock (Acts 20:25-32; Eph. 4:11-16).

  25. Duty of Sheep • The responsibility of sheep is that of hearing and heeding the Shepherd’s voice (Psa. 95:6-11, esp. vs. 7). • Christians should remember the message of divine truth communicated by their spiritual leaders, considering their conduct, imitating their faith, and obeying their instructions (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24).

  26. Conclusion • Describing the perils along the pathway of faith, Paul said, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” • Yet, his message is one of hope, not hopelessness. Dangers are real, but victory is assured (Rom. 8:35-39, esp. vs. 36).

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