Session 4
Jesus The Good Shepherd
In Ezekiel 34:11-16, the prophet prophesies the following:
v.11 “I Myself will search for my sheep.” v.12 “I will look after my sheep.” v.13 “I will bring them out.” v.13 “I will pasture them.” v.14 “I will tend them.” v.15 “I will tend my sheep.” v.15 “I will have them lie down.” v.16 “I will search for the lost.” v.16 “I will…bring back the strays.” v.16 “I will…bind up the injured….” V.16 “I will…strengthen the weak…” (NIV)
In John 10:1-9 and 14-16, we see Jesus declaring to the Pharisees a description of Himself as the ‘True Shepherd’. This statement enables us to see whether Ezekiel’s prophecy was true or false.
It was right after declaring that He is ‘the gate’ (or ‘door’ as translated in other Bible versions) in John 10:7, that Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd.” He is not just describing Himself as “the shepherd” but the “Good Shepherd.”
The word good used here means, beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable, beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent, good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends. Genuine, approved, precious. joined to names of men designated by their office, competent, able, such as one ought to be. Praiseworthy, noble, beautiful due to purity of heart and life.
Using the phrase “The Good Shepherd,” Jesus is referencing His inherent goodness, His righteousness, His beauty, His competence to do the job and His ability to carry out the Father’s instructions. As shepherd of the sheep, He is the one who protects His flock, guides them to good pastures and nurtures and keeps them safe. To further prove what Jesus was saying, read Matthew 20:28 and John 10:15.
Questions:
- Do you know the ‘True Shepherd’? If not, then His promise is, “If you search for Me, you will find Me”. Why don’t you look back over your life and see if you think knowing Him would have been helpful?
- Do you feel safe in His care? If yes, your job is to find those who don’t, and lead them to His safety. Why don’t you name somebody you know right now and introduce them to Him?
- Do you live with fear in your life? If yes, ask the Shepherd right now to show you His love, as perfect love casts out fear.
The Shepherd Speaks 