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"That great Shepherd of the sheep..."

Text: Hebrews 13:20

THE CONCEPT OF GOD AS SHEPHERD

Once again we see a masterful choice of words in the crafting of this benediction. The Lord Jesus Christ is presented as “that great Shepherd of the sheep”.

1. God as Shepherd (Old Testament)

a) The Shepherd Psalm (Cf. Psalm 23)

i) A favourite psalm of millions.

ii) The Shepherd’s Psalm well portrays God as a wonderful Shepherd.

b) Prophetic imagery

i) Isaiah’s image of God as a Shepherd tending to the flock (Cf. Isaiah 40:11).

ii) Jeremiah’s image of God gathering the scattered flock (Cf. Jeremiah 31:10).

iii) Ezekiel’s prophecy concerning the Messianic shepherd (Cf. Ezekiel 34:23).

2. Jesus as Shepherd (New Testament)

a) Jesus spoke of Himself as the Door of the sheep (Cf. John 10:7).

b) He also declares Himself as the Good Shepherd (Cf. John 10:11):-

i) A Good Shepherd is prepared to give His life for the sheep (Cf. John 10:11).

ii) A Good Shepherd knows His sheep (Cf. John 10:14).

iii) A Good Shepherd will lead the sheep to good pasture (Cf. John 10:9).

iv) A Good Shepherd will give abundant life to the sheep (Cf. John 10:10).

3. That Great Shepherd of the sheep

a) This was the preferred description chosen by the writer.

b) The apostle Peter called Jesus “The Chief Shepherd” (Cf. 1 Peter 5:4).

The words of the benediction were carefully chosen. Great power was displayed when this God of peace brought up Jesus from the dead. This power is now invoked