How does Ezekiel 34:13 connect with Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10? The Shepherd’s Promise in Ezekiel 34:13 “I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land.” • God Himself vows to rescue His scattered flock. • The promise is literal: real regathering, real pasture, real safety. • Context (Ezekiel 34:11-16) shows the LORD replacing corrupt leaders with His own personal care. Jesus Steps Onto the Scene—John 10 and the Good Shepherd “I am the good shepherd… I lay down My life for the sheep… I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well… and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16) • Jesus identifies as the long-awaited Shepherd foretold by Ezekiel. • His sacrificial death secures the gathering; His voice calls the flock home (John 10:27-28). • “Other sheep” points beyond Israel to Gentiles, widening Ezekiel’s regathering to the nations. Key Connections Between the Two Passages • Same Shepherding Initiative – Ezekiel: “I will…” (34:11-13) – Jesus: “I am… I must bring…” (John 10:14-16) • Same Objective: Gather and Unite – Ezekiel: from “countries” back to the land. – Jesus: from every nation into “one flock” under “one shepherd.” (cf. Acts 15:14, Revelation 7:9) • Same Provision: Safe Pasture – Ezekiel: “I will pasture them.” – Jesus: “They will come in and find pasture.” (John 10:9) • Same Assurance of Care – Ezekiel: tends the weak, binds the injured, strengthens the sick (34:16). – Jesus: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” (John 10:28) • Same Judgment on False Shepherds – Ezekiel 34:2-10 exposes abusive leaders. – John 10:1-13 contrasts Jesus with thieves and hired hands. Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Link • Psalm 23:1-4 – “The LORD is my shepherd.” • Isaiah 40:11 – He “gathers the lambs in His arms.” • Micah 5:4 – The Messiah “will shepherd His flock.” • Hebrews 13:20 – Jesus called “the great Shepherd of the sheep.” • 1 Peter 2:25 – Believers “have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer” of their souls. What This Means for Us Today • Confidence: The same God who promised to gather Israel has secured our redemption in Christ. • Identity: We belong to a single flock, regardless of background, led by the same Shepherd. • Security: His pasture is eternal life; no predator can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28-29). • Mission: As Jesus still “brings in” other sheep, we echo His call through the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). |
    |