The Good Shepherd
AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 • PM Psalm 119:121-144
Gen. 31:25-50 • 1 John 2:12-17 • John 10:1-18
In scripture and in other ancient literature, shepherd imagery was often used for human rulers, for kings and emperors.
In Ezekiel 34 the prophet famously prophesies against the shepherds of Israel — leaders who have been feeding themselves and becoming fat and rich while the sheep have suffered. Ezekiel insists that these leaders, these bad shepherds, must be replaced. They will be scattered, exiled. Jeremiah prophesies against his contemporary rulers, speaking of the shepherds who are stupid and who do not inquire of God. (10:21)
We also have Biblical images of good leaders who care for their flock. David is the shepherd who moves from caring for the flock to becoming the good king and leader. And Micah (5:2) looks forward to a Messianic ruler from Bethlehem-Ephratah who will be called “shepherd of my people.”
When Jesus names himself the “Good Shepherd,” it might have been heard as a very political statement. When Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, he may have in mind a challenge similar to the metaphor of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is how the world would be if God were ruler, and not Caesar or Herod. The Good Shepherd is the caring and benevolent leader, who protects the sheep, guards the vulnerable and heals the hurt. Jesus the Good Shepherd is an image of a godly ruler, a challenge and contrast to Caesar or Herod. The image of the Good Shepherd is also a challenge to our contemporary leaders — our elected representatives and other governmental officials. Ezekiel’s accusation against the shepherds of Israel could also apply to many of our own leaders today.
The scriptures invite us to hold our leaders accountable as servants, as good shepherds, benevolent leaders who strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the injured, bring back the strayed, seek the lost or ghettoed — good shepherds who care for the flock rather than becoming fat and powerful themselves, attending to the interests of the fat and powerful.
When Jesus says “I am the Good Shepherd” he throws down a gauntlet to every ruler or authority. And he gives us all an example of how we exercise whatever power or authority we may have in our own home or work or among our friends.
Written by Lowell Grisham
Lowell Grisham is grateful for the community of St. Paul’s Church and its ministries.