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"Returned to the Shepherd"

Text: 1 Peter 2:25

LIFE BEFORE FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS

The Apostle Peter remembered not just the Old Testament Scriptures. He also bore in mind what the Lord Jesus Christ had taught and done.

“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now
returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
1 Peter 2:25

1. “For you were like sheep going astray”

a) This word was borrowed from Isaiah 53:6.

b) Isaiah described the sinful state of man

i) Man was compared to sheep that had gone astray.

ii) He was lost and vulnerable.

iii) Jesus looked at the multitudes one day and felt deep compassion for the people. They were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

2. “But have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”

a) The Shepherd imagery

i) This was recorded in John 10.

ii) It was also noted in Luke 15:1-7.

iii) The Shepherd’s work in caring for the sheep must be noted.

I) He knew them.

II) He loved them.

III) He gave His life for them.

IV) He would search for them if they were lost.

b) The sheep had returned to the Shepherd.

i) To the fold of God.

ii) To the Shepherd.

c) “And Overseer of your souls”

i) The word “overseer” is the same as the word translated “bishop”.

ii) The Lord is deeply concerned about the state of our soul.

iii) He oversees every aspect of our life.

3. Our challenge

a) To live righteously for the Lord.

b) To be close to the Shepherd of our souls.

c) To heed the guidance and oversight of our Overseer (bishop).