How does Zechariah 11:16 describe the characteristics of a bad shepherd? Setting the Scene Zechariah 11 records a prophetic drama in which the LORD contrasts faithful shepherding with the ruin that follows unfaithful leadership. Verse 16 pinpoints what a “bad shepherd” looks like when God allows one to rise as judgment on a rebellious people. Verse at a Glance “For I am raising up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the perishing nor seek the scattered, nor heal the broken, nor provide for the hungry. Instead he will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.” (Zechariah 11:16) Six Distinct Failures of the Bad Shepherd • Ignores the dying – “will neither care for the perishing” – Shows no compassion for those on the brink of spiritual ruin (cf. Ezekiel 34:4). • Neglects the scattered – “nor seek the scattered” – Makes no effort to gather straying sheep back into safety (cf. Matthew 18:12–13). • Refuses to heal the wounded – “nor heal the broken” – Offers no restoration for those crushed by sin or circumstance (cf. Psalm 147:3). • Starves the healthy – “nor provide for the hungry” – Withholds nourishment even from those still standing, leading to slow spiritual famine (cf. Jeremiah 23:1–2). • Feeds on the flock – “will devour the flesh of the fat sheep” – Uses God’s people for personal gain, treating them as a resource to consume (cf. Micah 3:1–3). • Mutilates what remains – “and tear off their hooves” – Leaves lasting damage, ensuring the sheep cannot walk or recover; a picture of final, reckless destruction. What These Failures Look Like Today – Leadership that values power or profit over people. – Teaching that never confronts sin or offers gospel healing. – Church culture where the hurting feel invisible and the strong feel exploited. Contrast with the Good Shepherd Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Where the bad shepherd devours, Christ sacrifices; where the bad shepherd scatters, Christ gathers (John 10:14–16); where the bad shepherd wounds, Christ binds up (Isaiah 61:1). Zechariah 11:16 thus stands as both a sober warning and an invitation: reject false, self-serving leadership and embrace the Savior who perfectly embodies all a shepherd should be. |
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