Christ Our Shepherd

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Shepherd of his sheep. In the Old Testament Scriptures it was prophesied that Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, our Redeemer would come into the world as a Man and that one chief characteristic of his work of redemption and grace would be that of a shepherd buying, seeking and gathering his sheep (Isaiah 40:11; 49:10; Ezekiel 34:11-23; 37:24). When David meditated upon these things, his heart bubbled over with joy, confidence, faith and hope. He sang, — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1).

In the New Testament three distinct adjectives are used to set forth the characteristics of Christ as our Shepherd. In his great work of redemption our Savior is called “The Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). In his resurrection glory he is called “The Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20). And, in reference to his glorious return, Peter declares him to be “The Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4).

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the good Shepherd with reference to his work of redemption, the great Shepherd with reference to his resurrection and the chief Shepherd with reference to his glorious return. These three adjectives are always distinct. They are never mingled together or interchanged. Each is used in its proper place and setting with reference to the Son of God and the accomplishments of his mediatorial work by which he gathers his lambs and saves his sheep.

Don Fortner

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