What actions of the shepherd in Zechariah 11:16 should we avoid today?

Understanding the Warning in Zechariah 11:16

“For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the perishing, nor seek the scattered, nor heal the broken, nor sustain the weary, but he will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.” (Zechariah 11:16)

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Six Failures We Must Reject

• Neglecting the perishing – ignoring those on the brink of ruin or spiritually lost.

• Ignoring the scattered – showing no initiative to bring back those who have drifted away.

• Withholding healing from the broken – refusing to bind up wounds or offer restoration.

• Failing to sustain the weary – providing no nourishment or encouragement to the exhausted.

• Exploiting the healthy – consuming the “fat sheep” for personal gain rather than serving them.

• Brutalizing the helpless – tearing off hooves, a picture of crippling God’s people instead of protecting them.

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Practical Applications for Today

• Care for the perishing

– Share the gospel compassionately (Luke 19:10; Jude 22–23).

• Seek the scattered

– Go after wandering believers (James 5:19–20; John 10:16).

• Heal the broken

– Offer forgiveness, counsel, and tangible help (Isaiah 61:1; Galatians 6:1–2).

• Strengthen the weary

– Refresh others with Scripture, prayer, and physical support (Matthew 11:28–30; 1 Thessalonians 5:14).

• Serve, don’t exploit

– Lead sacrificially, not for dishonest gain (1 Peter 5:2–3; Acts 20:28).

• Protect the vulnerable

– Use authority to shield, never to harm (Ezekiel 34:4; John 10:11).

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Cultivating the Heart of the True Shepherd

• Follow Christ’s example of laying down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

• Keep watch over yourself and the flock, motivated by love, not greed (Acts 20:28–35).

• Remember that shepherding God’s people is stewardship; accountability is certain (Hebrews 13:17).

By resisting every malpractice pictured in Zechariah 11:16 and embracing Christlike care, we honor the Chief Shepherd and bless those He entrusts to us.