Kings were expected to be shepherds that cared for the people as sheep; Ezekiel prophesied against kings for their failure to do so (34:1-20). When Messiah-King came, He declared Himself to be the good shepherd. We call leaders of congregations pastors, i.e. shepherds; they are to care for the bodies and souls of those to whom they minister. To a large extent, all Christ’s followers are to assist as under-shepherds, to care for those around them; Jesus is the model of how that is done. We are all called to leave the ninety-nine and go find that one lost sheep, and return it to the Shepherd (Luke 15:4 NASB). Also, never forget that the Lord is your Shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:11-15 NASB)
