What parallels exist between Ezekiel 34:7 and Jesus' teachings on shepherding? Setting the Scene • God consistently uses the shepherd–sheep relationship to describe His care for His people and His expectations for their leaders. • Through Ezekiel, God confronts Israel’s leaders for exploiting, scattering, and neglecting the flock (Ezekiel 34). • Centuries later, Jesus steps into history and applies the very same imagery to expose false leaders and reveal Himself as the promised Shepherd. Ezekiel 34:7 in Focus “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:” • A summons—God calls unfaithful shepherds into His courtroom. • A rebuke—what follows is an indictment of negligence, abuse, and selfishness (vv. 8–10). • A promise—God will personally intervene to rescue and shepherd His people (vv. 11–16). Parallel Themes in Jesus’ Teaching • Divine summons: Just as God commands, “Hear the word of the LORD,” Jesus begins many teachings with “Truly, truly, I say to you” (John 10:1). • Exposure of false shepherds: – Ezekiel: leaders feed themselves, not the flock (34:2–3). – Jesus: “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers” (John 10:8). • Compassion for the scattered: – Ezekiel: sheep “were scattered for lack of a shepherd” (34:5). – Jesus: He “had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). • God Himself becoming Shepherd: – Ezekiel: “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken” (34:16). – Jesus: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). • Separation of flocks: – Ezekiel: God judges “between one sheep and another” (34:17). – Jesus: He will “separate the sheep from the goats” at His return (Matthew 25:32). Shared Warnings to Unfaithful Shepherds • Accountability is unavoidable—leaders answer directly to God (Ezekiel 34:10; Matthew 23:33). • Self-serving ministry invites judgment (Ezekiel 34:2–3; John 10:12–13). • Neglect of the weak grieves the Shepherd’s heart (Ezekiel 34:4; Luke 20:46–47). Shepherd-Heart of God Revealed in Christ • Personal presence: “I Myself will be the Shepherd of My sheep” (Ezekiel 34:15) fulfilled when “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). • Sacrificial care: In Ezekiel, God promises rescue; in Jesus, that rescue is secured by the cross (John 10:15). • Rest and pasture: Ezekiel envisions rich pastureland (34:14); Jesus offers abundant life (John 10:10). • Covenant of peace: Ezekiel speaks of a covenant guaranteeing safety (34:25); Jesus inaugurates the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20). Practical Takeaways for Today • Listen—God still says, “Hear the word of the LORD.” Scripture is the Shepherd’s voice. • Lead like Him—spiritual leaders are called to feed, protect, and guide rather than exploit. • Rest in His care—believers are secure because the Good Shepherd lays down His life and never abandons the flock. |
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