How does Jeremiah 23:2 connect with Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10? Scripture Texts “Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: ‘You have scattered My flock; you have driven them away and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds,’ declares the LORD.” “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And 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 they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.” The Problem of Failed Shepherds (Jeremiah 23:2) • Israel’s leaders—political and spiritual—were called “shepherds.” • Instead of protecting, they scattered the flock: – Neglected spiritual care (cf. Ezekiel 34:2–4) – Drove people into idolatry and exile • God promises personal accountability: “I will attend to you.” • Underlying issue: lack of love and self-sacrifice. God’s Promise to Provide a True Shepherd (Jeremiah 23:3–6) • “I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock.” • Foretells a “righteous Branch” from David who will “reign wisely” and be called “The LORD Our Righteousness.” • Anticipates a single, faithful shepherd-king who rescues, unites, and rules the sheep. Jesus Steps In as the Good Shepherd (John 10) • Identifies Himself directly: “I am the good shepherd.” • Contrasts Himself with “hired hands” who abandon the flock (vv. 12–13)—echoing Jeremiah’s failed shepherds. • Sacrificial love: “lays down His life for the sheep” (v. 11). • Intimate knowledge: “I know My sheep and My sheep know Me” (v. 14). • Global gathering: “other sheep… one flock, one shepherd” (v. 16), fulfilling Jeremiah’s vision of regathering. Key Connections Between Jeremiah 23 and John 10 • Shepherd Comparison – Jeremiah: corrupt shepherds scatter. – John: Jesus gathers, protects, sacrifices. • Divine Accountability vs. Divine Incarnation – Jeremiah: God says, “I will attend to you.” – John: God Himself comes in the flesh to shepherd. • Scattering vs. Gathering – Jeremiah predicts regathering of a remnant. – John shows Jesus calling Jews and “other sheep” (Gentiles) into one flock (cf. Ephesians 2:14-16). • Righteous Branch / Righteous Shepherd – Jeremiah promises a king called “The LORD Our Righteousness.” – Jesus provides righteousness through His death (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Judgment and Salvation – Jeremiah warns of judgment on negligent leaders. – John reveals judgment on sin borne by the Good Shepherd Himself (John 10:15-18). Supporting Scriptures That Tie the Theme Together • Psalm 23: The LORD is shepherd who restores, guides, protects. • Ezekiel 34:11-16: God personally seeks and rescues His sheep. • Matthew 9:36: Jesus sees the crowds “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” • Hebrews 13:20: Jesus called “the great Shepherd of the sheep.” • 1 Peter 5:4: He is the “chief Shepherd” who will appear in glory. Implications for Believers Today • Security: Our Shepherd will never abandon us, even when leaders fail. • Guidance: We recognize and follow His voice through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. • Unity: All who trust Christ—Jew or Gentile—are one flock under one Shepherd. • Mission: Join the Shepherd in gathering other sheep by proclaiming the gospel. |
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