Topical Encyclopedia The image of Christ as the Shepherd is a profound and comforting theme woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating His care, guidance, and sacrificial love for His people. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the pastoral culture of ancient Israel, where shepherds were responsible for the protection and provision of their flocks. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate Shepherd, fulfilling and surpassing the expectations set by Old Testament prophecies and typologies.Old Testament Foundations The concept of God as a shepherd is introduced in the Old Testament, where leaders like Moses and David are depicted as shepherds of Israel. Psalm 23, attributed to David, begins with the well-known declaration, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). This psalm encapsulates the care, guidance, and provision that God offers His people, setting the stage for the fuller revelation of Christ as the Shepherd. The prophetic literature also anticipates a Messianic Shepherd. In Ezekiel 34:23, God promises, "I will establish one shepherd over them, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd" . This prophecy points to a future leader from the line of David who will shepherd God's people with justice and compassion. Christ as the Good Shepherd In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies and typologies. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" . This statement highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's shepherding, emphasizing His willingness to give His life for the salvation of His flock. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep intimately and calls them by name, as described in John 10:3-4: "The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" . This personal relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep underscores the care and guidance that Christ provides to His followers. The Shepherd's Sacrifice and Victory The sacrificial aspect of Christ's role as Shepherd is further emphasized in His atoning death and victorious resurrection. In John 10:17-18, Jesus explains, "The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father" . Through His death and resurrection, Christ secures eternal life for His sheep, demonstrating His ultimate authority and love. The Chief Shepherd and His Return The New Testament also speaks of Christ as the Chief Shepherd, who will return to reward His faithful servants. In 1 Peter 5:4, the apostle Peter writes, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" . This future aspect of Christ's shepherding role assures believers of His ongoing care and the promise of eternal reward. The Shepherd's Ongoing Ministry Christ's shepherding ministry continues through the work of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the church. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul describes how Christ "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ" . The term "pastors" is derived from the Latin word for shepherd, indicating that church leaders are to emulate Christ's shepherding care. Conclusion The excellency and glory of Christ as Shepherd are manifested in His intimate knowledge of His sheep, His sacrificial love, and His victorious resurrection. As the Good Shepherd, He provides guidance, protection, and eternal life to His followers, ensuring that they lack nothing. His ongoing ministry through the Holy Spirit and the church continues to shepherd believers until His glorious return as the Chief Shepherd. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 40:10,11Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 10:11,14 Library The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Hymns and Spiritual Songs On Genesis. The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Christ is All The Psalms of David The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion On the Baptism of Christ. Christ Bringing a Sword. An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Resources What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create the world / earth? | GotQuestions.org Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Exaltation The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Sinless Perfection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Triumph The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Words The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Works The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Restoration of the Jews The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Unchangeable The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Creator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Head of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Incarnate The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Judge The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Lord of Lords The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Mediator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As One With the Father The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Priest The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Prophet The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Shepherd The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Begotten The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Born The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Foundation of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Image of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Life The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Son of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the True Light The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Way The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Celebrated by the Redeemed The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Sufferings The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Imparted to Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Revealed in the Gospel The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Behold, in Heaven The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Rejoice at the Revelation of The Excellency and Glory of the Church are Abundant The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Augmented by Increase of Its Members The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being Established The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Body of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Bride of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Seat of God's Worship The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Temple of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Eminent Position The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Graces of Character The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Members Being Righteous The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Perfection of Beauty The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Sanctification The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Strength and Defence The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: God Delights In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Result from the Favour of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Saints Delight In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Sin Obscures Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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