Topical Bible: the Shepherd Christ: His Sheep: He Protects and Preserves

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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 protective and preserving role over His followers, often referred to as His sheep. This imagery is deeply rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures, where the relationship between a shepherd and his flock is used to describe God's care for His people.

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, guidance, and protection that God offers to His people. The metaphor is further developed in the New Testament, where Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:11, Jesus 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 protection, emphasizing His willingness to give His life for the safety and salvation of His followers.

Protection and Preservation

Christ's role as the protector and preserver of His sheep is multifaceted. He safeguards them from spiritual dangers, false teachings, and the snares of sin. In John 10:27-28, Jesus assures His followers, "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 promise of eternal security highlights the enduring nature of Christ's protection, ensuring that His sheep are preserved in faith and grace.

The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 5:4, where he refers to Christ as the "Chief Shepherd," who will reward His faithful followers. This title not only affirms Christ's authority and leadership but also His ongoing commitment to the well-being of His flock.

Guidance and Care

As the Good Shepherd, Christ also provides guidance and care, leading His sheep along the path of righteousness. In John 10:3-4, it is written, "The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." This passage illustrates the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, characterized by trust and recognition of His voice.

Moreover, Christ's shepherding is not limited to protection from external threats but extends to nurturing the spiritual growth and maturity of His sheep. In Ephesians 4:11-12, the Apostle Paul describes how Christ equips His followers for works of service, building up the body of Christ. This nurturing aspect of Christ's shepherding ensures that His sheep are not only protected but also thrive in their spiritual journey.

Conclusion

The image of Christ as the Good Shepherd is a powerful testament to His unwavering commitment to protect and preserve His followers. Through His sacrificial love, guidance, and nurturing care, Christ ensures that His sheep are secure in their faith and relationship with Him, reflecting the profound depth of His love and dedication to those who belong to His flock.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 31:10
Hear the word of the LORD, O you nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock.
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Ezekiel 34:10
Thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.
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Zechariah 9:16
And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign on his land.
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John 10:28
And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
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... Lady, our Mother, Her Eternal, Divine Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has solved ... lost
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