How does Ezekiel 34:6 connect with Jesus' parable of the lost sheep? Text of Ezekiel 34:6 “My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one searched or looked for them.” The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) “If any man has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? …” Key Observations from Ezekiel 34:6 • God calls the people “My sheep,” underscoring His ownership and care. • The sheep are scattered—isolated, vulnerable, helpless. • No shepherds (leaders) search for them, exposing the failure of Israel’s spiritual caretakers (vv. 1-5). • The verse sets up God’s promise in vv. 11-16 to come personally and search for His flock. How Jesus’ Parable Echoes Ezekiel • Same imagery: sheep lost in dangerous terrain. • Same dilemma: the flock’s leaders have failed; the sheep need rescue. • Same solution: the true Shepherd goes after the one who is lost. • Jesus implicitly claims to be the promised divine Shepherd of Ezekiel 34:11-16. Connecting Threads 1. Divine Initiative – Ezekiel 34:11 “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.” – Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 2. Compassion for the Individual – Ezekiel emphasizes every scattered sheep; Jesus highlights the single lost one. 3. Condemnation of False Shepherds – Ezekiel 34:2-4 rebukes self-serving leaders. – Jesus in John 10:12-13 speaks of hired hands who abandon the sheep. 4. Joy in Restoration – Ezekiel 34:14-15 pictures safe pastures and rest. – Luke 15:6-7 depicts rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. Theological Implications • Jesus fulfills God’s Ezekiel promise: He is God come in the flesh to gather the scattered flock (John 10:11). • Salvation is both corporate and personal—He guards the whole flock yet pursues the lone wanderer. • Heaven’s joy over one repentant sinner shows each life’s worth to the Shepherd. Personal Application • If you feel scattered or unseen, the Shepherd is already searching for you. • Leaders are called to mirror His heart—actively seeking, not merely supervising. • Rejoice with heaven when the “one” returns; it reflects God’s own delight. |
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