Topical Bible: the Shepherd Christ: His Sheep: He Feeds

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In the Christian tradition, the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is a profound and comforting metaphor that illustrates His care, guidance, and provision for His followers, often referred to as His sheep. This imagery is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where the role of a shepherd is emblematic of leadership, protection, and sustenance.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of God as a shepherd is introduced in the Old Testament, notably in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This psalm highlights the provision and care that God extends to His people, a theme that is carried into the New Testament with the person of Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:11, He declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This statement underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission and His deep commitment to the well-being of His followers.

Feeding the Sheep

The act of feeding the sheep is a central aspect of the shepherd's role, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and sustenance. In John 6:35, Jesus proclaims, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." Here, Christ offers Himself as the source of spiritual sustenance, promising fulfillment and eternal life to those who follow Him.

The feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in John 6:1-14, further illustrates Christ's ability to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of His followers. This miracle not only demonstrates His compassion but also serves as a sign of His divine authority and the abundance found in Him.

Pastoral Care and Guidance

Christ's role as the shepherd extends beyond mere provision; it encompasses guidance and protection. In John 10:27-28, Jesus states, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand." This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, characterized by recognition, trust, and security.

The shepherd's voice is a guiding force, leading the sheep to safety and sustenance. In Psalm 78:52, it is written, "He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness." This guidance is mirrored in the New Testament, where Christ leads His followers through the challenges of life, offering wisdom and direction.

The Role of Under-Shepherds

In the early church, the apostles and elders were seen as under-shepherds, tasked with caring for the flock in Christ's stead. In John 21:15-17, Jesus commissions Peter to "Feed My lambs" and "Tend My sheep," entrusting him with the responsibility of nurturing and guiding the early Christian community.

The apostle Peter later exhorts church leaders in 1 Peter 5:2-3, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage highlights the ongoing role of church leaders as shepherds, called to emulate Christ's example of selfless service and care.

Conclusion

The image of Christ as the Good Shepherd who feeds His sheep is a powerful testament to His love, provision, and guidance. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus fulfills the role of the shepherd, offering spiritual nourishment and eternal security to all who follow Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 23:1,2
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:9
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Offices of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The offices of Christ. From several scriptures. ... Nor rove, nor seek the
crooked way.]. [I love my Shepherd's voice,. ... The thousands of his sheep: ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 150 the offices of.htm

The Offices of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... 6 [I love my Shepherd, he shall keep My wandering soul among ... appears on high, The
Father lays his thunder by ... on, I shall be safe; for Christ displays Salvation ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 145138889 the offices of.htm

The Offices of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... LM The offices of Christ. From several scriptures. ... Nor follow the forbidden way!].
[I love my Shepherd, he shall keep. My wand'ring soul among his sheep; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 149 the offices of.htm

The Great Shepherd
... of travailing in birth again, till Christ be formed ... any newly-awakened, and begin
to seek his salvation, how ... character and conduct of the Great Shepherd of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm

Jesus the Good Shepherd.
... the day of rest the shepherd feeds his own children ... And thus he becomes intimately
acquainted with his sheep. So Christ becomes increasingly acquainted with us ...
/.../xxi jesus the good shepherd.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... the integrity of his heart, and guides you by the skilfulness of his hands ... to us
in the name which is given to our Lord Jesus Christ of "the good Shepherd"! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
... entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the ... And he enters through Christ who thinks
and preaches what ... blessed Jacob, who had served long for his wives, said ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlix to anastasius bishop.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Our Lord ... as the poles asunder,
but our mighty Shepherd can see every sheep and lamb of his flock, and he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... And he [1031] who was for him as a shepherd, because he loved ... steward of the wisdom,
again, as the Apostle said:"Christ is the power of God and His wisdom ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm

(On the Passion, xii. : Preached on Wednesday. )
... the Shepherd's sake, even as the good Shepherd Himself was content to lay down His
life for His sheep. ... whereby he that is received by Christ and receives ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxiii on the passion.htm