What other scriptures emphasize the duty of caring for God's people? God’s Standard for Shepherds: Ezekiel 34:3 “You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.” (Ezekiel 34:3) The verse exposes leaders who take from the flock instead of serving it. Scripture echoes this theme again and again. Warnings to Neglectful Shepherds • Jeremiah 23:1–2 — “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ declares the LORD… ‘Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds.’” • Micah 3:2–3 — “You hate good and love evil; you strip off their skin… you break their bones in pieces.” • Zechariah 11:17 — “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock!” • Matthew 23:4 — “They tie up heavy burdens… but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” All four passages underline God’s intolerance of leaders who exploit rather than nurture. Portrait of the True Shepherd • Psalm 23:1–3 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want… He restores my soul.” • Isaiah 40:11 — “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.” • John 10:11 — “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” The contrast is striking: God’s model shepherd knows the flock, feeds the flock, and sacrifices for the flock. Pastoral Duties in the New Testament Church • Acts 20:28 — “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock… Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” • 1 Peter 5:2–3 — “Be shepherds of God’s flock… not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you.” • Hebrews 13:17 — “They keep watch over your souls as men who must give an account.” Oversight, protection, and example-setting are non-negotiable responsibilities for church leaders. Family Care Inside the Body • Galatians 6:10 — “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 — “Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” Caring for God’s people is a shared, family obligation, not only a pastoral one. Compassion for the Vulnerable • James 1:27 — “Pure and undefiled religion… is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.” • Proverbs 29:7 — “The righteous consider the cause of the poor.” • Matthew 25:40 — “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • 1 John 3:17–18 — “If anyone… sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion… let us love… in action and truth.” Love proves itself through practical help for those who cannot repay. Putting It All Together – God rebukes shepherds who feed themselves and starve the flock. – He reveals His own shepherd-heart as the standard. – He entrusts leaders and believers alike with the ongoing duty to nourish, guard, and cherish His people. Meeting needs, protecting souls, and reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love are central, never optional, features of life in His flock. |
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