How does Ezekiel 34:1 connect with Jesus' teachings on shepherding in John 10? Ezekiel Receives God’s Word—The Start of a Shepherding Oracle “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 34:1). • This simple line signals a direct, authoritative revelation from God—what follows is not human opinion but divine declaration. • God’s opening sets the stage for a lengthy indictment of Israel’s leaders (vv. 2-10) and His promise to personally shepherd His people (vv. 11-31). • Because Scripture speaks infallibly, the shepherd motif that begins here carries full weight and finds literal fulfillment in Christ. False Shepherds Exposed in Ezekiel 34 • Verses 2-4: leaders feed themselves, not the flock. • Verse 5: sheep are scattered “because there was no shepherd.” • Verse 10: God declares, “I will rescue My flock.” • The passage contrasts selfish hirelings with the coming Divine Shepherd. • This theme provides the background against which Jesus frames His teaching in John 10. Jesus Picks Up the Prophetic Thread in John 10 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) • Jesus identifies Himself as the very Shepherd promised in Ezekiel 34:11-16. • John 10:12-13 describes a hired hand who abandons the sheep—mirroring Ezekiel’s corrupt shepherds. • John 10:14-15: Jesus knows His sheep intimately and sacrifices Himself, fulfilling God’s pledge to care personally for His flock. Point-by-Point Connections • Source of Revelation – Ezekiel 34:1: “word of the LORD.” – John 10:18: Jesus acts “by authority from My Father.” Both speak with divine authority. • Condemnation of False Leaders – Ezekiel 34:2-3 vs. John 10:12-13—the self-serving contrasted with the self-giving. • Scattered Sheep – Ezekiel 34:5; cf. Matthew 9:36—Jesus sees Israel “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” • Divine Rescue – Ezekiel 34:11-12: “I Myself will search for My sheep.” – John 10:16: “I have other sheep … they will listen to My voice.” His mission extends globally. • Sacrificial Care – Ezekiel 34:15-16 promises feeding, rest, healing. – John 10:11, 15: shepherd dies for the sheep, the ultimate act of care. • Covenant Security – Ezekiel 34:25: “I will make a covenant of peace with them.” – John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.” Why the Connection Matters Today • Assurance: The Shepherd who spoke in Ezekiel now walks among us in Jesus, guaranteeing literal fulfillment of every promise (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Identity: Believers can confidently say, “The LORD is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) because Jesus embodies Yahweh’s shepherd role. • Mission: As under-shepherds (1 Peter 5:1-4), church leaders must mirror Jesus, not Ezekiel’s condemned hirelings—feeding, protecting, and loving the flock sacrificially. |
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