The Ministry of a Shepherd

The Ministry of a Shepherd

Jesus is the good shepherd; He says that the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11. In this goodness and in this attitude of mind to suffer, He gathered the sheep around Him. He says, “I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” V. 14. When bad weather comes, the sheep gather more closely around the good shepherd. There they feel safe. The sheep are his and he takes care of them. But the hireling runs away when the wolf comes, because the sheep are not his; they are left defenseless. The wolf steals them, chases them, and scatters them.

Self-interest scatters, whereas love binds together with strong bonds. The ministry of a shepherd is a great and beneficial ministry. But we need to learn from Jesus how to be good shepherds who give their lives in serving the others. A good and caring shepherd has both a rod and a staff with which to keep the wolf away and keep the sheep together.

Paul feared that after his departure savage wolves who would not spare the flock, would come among them. Instead of gathering the flock, they would use perverse speech to draw away the disciples after themselves. But then he reminded the disciples to think about how he had conducted himself among them in utter selflessness. “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to exhort everyone night and day with tears.” He had not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or apparel. He had worked with his own hands to provide for his necessities. He taught them that it was more blessed to give than to receive. Having seen Paul as a great and good example, it was now easy to separate the savage wolves that sought their own by seeking gain and honor.

Peter also exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God which is among them, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for paltry gain but eagerly, neither as being lords over their churches, but in such a manner that they are examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will also receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Here on earth many people are honored with a garland, but garlands are perishable and pass away. However, the good shepherds who have served and offered themselves after the Chief Shepherd’s example will be honored with the crown of glory that does not fade away.