Shepherd of the sheep.

Shepherd of the sheep

Joh 10:1-10

This was unprecedented; a clear sign that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

But the leaders of Israel interrogated, abused, and jettisoned this lost sheep.

Psa 23:1-3

This figure of the shepherd and the sheep is very important in the Bible.

All the way back to Abel! Moses tended sheep. So did David.

Prophets compared wicked rulers to shepherds who abused their flocks.

Jer 23:1-6

The sheep of My pasture are the people of the nation of Israel.

The shepherds are the rulers of Israel.

Shepherds were supposed to provide care and protection for their sheep.

But these shepherds did the opposite.

“thieves and robbers” Jesus means the leaders of the people of Israel.

The Lord Himself will intervene and become the shepherd of His people.

This is clearly talking about the future Messiah in the line of David.

Mat 2:4-6

When Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd, it’s more than a figure of speech.

It’s the fulfillment of prophecy!

Ezekiel 34 is the background for Jesus words about sheep and shepherd in John 10.

Eze 34:1-10

Ezekiel 34:1-10 deals with the wicked shepherds of Israel: the unrighteous rulers.

Joh 10:1-10 deals with the robbers and the thieves who steal and kill the sheep.

Who are the thieves and robbers?
The chief priests and Pharisees.

Mat 23:25-26

Mar 12:38-40

The true shepherd seeks the lost. He binds the broken, and strengthens the sick.

The man born blind was a son of Israel. He was one of Jesus’ sheep.

Eze 34:11-16

In Ezekiel 34:11-16, the Lord God declares that He will shepherd His own flock.

In Joh 10:11-18, Jesus proclaims that He is the Good Shepherd who will lay down His life for His sheep.