Connect Ezekiel 34:29 with Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd in John 10. Setting the Stage: A Flock in Distress • Israel’s leaders had failed as “shepherds” (Ezekiel 34:2-4), leaving the people scattered, hungry, and preyed upon. • Into that brokenness God promised personal intervention—“I Myself will search for My sheep” (Ezekiel 34:11). The Divine Promise in Ezekiel 34:29 “I will make them a garden of renown, so that they will no longer be victims of famine in the land and will not endure the scorn of the nations.” Key elements: • Garden/plant “of renown” — a conspicuous, celebrated source of life. • End of famine — provision and satisfaction. • Removal of scorn — security and honor before the nations. David’s Greater Son Foretold “I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them.” (Ezekiel 34:23) • The promised shepherd is a future descendant of David—ultimately fulfilled in Messiah. Jesus Steps Forward: “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Parallels with Ezekiel 34:29: • Provision – Garden of renown → “He will come in and go out and find pasture.” (John 10:9) – “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger.” (John 6:35) • Protection – “No longer victims of famine” → “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:28) • Honor – “Renown” and removal of scorn → The Shepherd’s own renown now rests on His flock (John 17:22; 1 Peter 2:9-10). From Famine to Fulness • Spiritual famine ends in Christ (Isaiah 55:1-3). • He leads to “still waters” and “green pastures” (Psalm 23:1-3), echoing the garden imagery. • Revelation 7:17 looks ahead: “The Lamb… will shepherd them, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Living in the Garden Today • Draw daily nourishment from His Word and Spirit—our present “garden.” • Rest in His protective care against spiritual predators (1 Peter 5:4; Hebrews 13:20). • Carry His renown to a watching world, demonstrating the Shepherd’s goodness and ending the scorn that comes from spiritual barrenness. |
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