If you read the Bible you will come across the words Shepherd and sheep quite a bit. From Genesis to Revelation it appears 302 times in the NIV translation. So what did GOD mean when He uses these words?
Shepherd is someone who took care of God's People
In the Bible the word "Shepherd" was used for someone who took care of God's People, or someone GOD held accountable to look after His people. Shepherds were not always good, there were poor shepherds as well. King David would be an example of a good shepherd verses Jehoash who "Did what was evil in the sight of the Lord."(2 Kings 13:10)
Sheep refers to mankind
The word sheep in the Bible refers to mankind. "Sheep" represents Believers as well as non-Believers. In John 10:16 Jesus shares with us that He must bring in other sheep that are not in the fold. The other person that Jesus mentions in this passage is the "Hired Hand."
Jesus is our one true Shepherd.
He loved us enough that He laid down His own life just so you and I could be with Him forever. Here on earth we are going to have contact with other people. To name a few would be pastors, husbands, wives, boyfriend, girlfriend, friends and family members. No one should ever be placed higher than Jesus. All these other relationships are very important here on earth. Jesus made us to be relational and community. We need each other to survive. But, everyone other than Jesus is human.
Can I Trust Other Humans?
You might be saying to yourself; what is the problem in putting my trust in another human? Or I want to put all my trust into another person. It is wonderful to trust another and we should, but they should never take the place of Jesus. The problem lies that we all are imperfect sinful creatures. We fight fleshly desires all daylong. We all have the capability to hurt each other at sometime or another. Some may be intentional, some may not be intentional, but at one time or another we all are going to hurt someone.
Pastors are some of the hardest. We tend to place them on a pedestal, maybe one step below Jesus. Our pastors should never take the place of Jesus, your focus should always be on the One above. Pastors provide wisdom, knowledge, and insight. Pastors Have extremely tough jobs. But, we need to remember that they are human just like us.
Jesus Christ needs to be your shepherd.
If you need advice about a subject it is great to ask your friend, but do not forget seek advise in His Word and prayer, lots of prayer! Jesus will never leave or forsake you, a true friend until the very end, then a friend that will last an eternity! Amen? His words are timeless and always true.
John 10:10-15
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
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