The Good, Great, and Glorious Shepherd
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
John 10:11 NKJV; Hebrews 13:20–21 NKJV; 1 Peter 5:4 NKJV
The Good, Great, and Glorious Shepherd
The theme of shepherding runs throughout Scripture. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and David were notable shepherds in the Old Testament. In different ways, they each pointed forward to the Lord Jesus, who protects, feeds, tends, and guides His sheep. In contrast to the irresponsible leaders of Israel who were supposed to shepherd the people of God, the Lord Jesus is the true Shepherd who cares for the flock (Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34).
Psalms 22–24 are collectively referred to as the Shepherd Psalms, and they highlight the Lord Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd. He suffered and died to save us (Ps. 22), He lives to direct and provide for us (Ps. 23), and is soon coming back to reign as King (Ps. 24). The Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave His life, He is the Great Shepherd who rose from the dead, and He is the Chief Shepherd who is coming again. As the Good Shepherd, He died for the sheep; as the Great Shepherd, He lives for the sheep; as the Chief Shepherd, He will reward the sheep. As the Good Shepherd, He has saved us from the penalty of sin; as the Great Shepherd, He is saving us from the power of sin; as the Chief Shepherd, He will save us from the presence of sin altogether. We have been saved by His cross, we are being guided by His crook, and we await His crown!
In Christ’s earthly ministry and sacrificial death, we perceive His goodness; in His resurrection and priesthood, we perceive His greatness; in His future appearing and kingdom, we perceive His glory.
-- Tim Bouter
|
