The Bible Shepherd, Part II

We will always know Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-16). As God and Man, Jesus is allowed to be both a literal and spiritual shepherd that helps us, loves us, and guides us. Jesus’ ancestors (Rachel, Joseph, Jacob, David) were literal shepherds whose hearts were towards God. This symbolism led to Jesus as the culmination of all shepherds, both literal and spiritual.

What Are Spiritual Shepherds?

Spiritual shepherds are the leaders of the Church who are tasked with guiding, supporting, and encouraging God’s people back to Him. They have a responsibility to look out for their fellow brothers and sisters, and to remind them of God’s unyielding love and mercy. Paul explains how a leader operates, in any role that they are given (1 Timothy 2-6; 2 Timothy 2-4; Titus 1-3), thus making them a "shepherd" of God’s "flock" (the Church). Some shepherds were not ideal to lead God’s children, however (Jeremiah 10:21). That is why Jesus had to come and fulfill the role as the final, perfect shepherd. It’s in Jesus that we see the ideal Shepherd who protects, provides, loves, and redeems.

Spiritual Shepherds in the Bible

The shift from literal to spiritual shepherds is pretty clear, as the Bible shifts from the Old to the New Testaments. Because the New Testament focuses more on Jesus and the world (as opposed to Israel and God in the OT), there has to be room for a bigger, broader type of shepherd that can watch over a larger scale of people.

The first spiritual shepherds we are introduced to are the Twelve Disciples (Matthew 10:6). These are men who were outcast by the world but chosen by God. And because Jesus chose and taught them, He in turn charges them to choose and teach others of God’s will (matt. 11:28). They are joined by other women and men who want to reflect Jesus and learn of His ways. This discipleship grows and evolves to become the first Christian Church (Acts 2:4).

The next spiritual shepherds are ones who help establish the first Christian Church (Acts 11:26).

Paul is a former murderer of Christians who later seeks forgiveness and is redeemed by Christ (Acts 7:58; 9:1-22). Paul’s Missionary Journeys are full of stories of faith, miracles, and what it means to be Christian (see Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, etc.). Paul himself becomes a shepherd by encouraging the persecuted Christians and reminding them of God’s faithfulness (Philippians 4).

Peter, the disciple of Jesus, was an eyewitness to the Perfect Shepherd, so that must’ve been helpful for his ministry! Peter also writes letters to other Christians, focusing on living as and loving as a follower of Christ (1 Peter 1:5). Peter’s ministry involved faith, charity, and understanding (Acts 10-12). His continuance of preaching and teaching helped create a foundation that all God’s children can build upon, no matter where they are in their lives (2 Peter 1: 5-13).

Jude, the brother of Jesus, brings into remembrance past mistakes of the children of God. But this isn’t to shame them! In fact, Jude explains in his small letter that he writes to help the people seek redemption and salvation (Jude 3-5). Jude’s was determined for the Christians to not repeat the same sins, because we all know what happens when you look back (you get stuck!). Jude is one of the few in the post-Gospels books to really dive into the history of our people and uses that research to help guide us in the right way. This echoes of the work of Amos (Amos 7:14), and shows the shepherd trait of warning and redirecting to help save (Jude 20-25).

John of Patmos was a man of God who dedicated his years to writing about the Lord and His ways. Because of the high persecutions, John was sentenced to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). But his exile only led to enlightenment; he was blessed to receive a vision of the Lord, which would show the end times of this present world. Because John was dedicated to the Lord, and dedicated to helping others to him, John stands out as a great shepherd (1 John 5:13). His writings of 1-3 John and the Revelation bring us to an understanding: that God is over all, His will is going to be done, and we must trust Him to receive everlasting life.

Spiritual shepherds are here right now. They are our pastors, deacons, missionaries, evangelists, counselors, and ministers. And you might have a calling on your life to become a “shepherd” of God’s “flock”, so pay attention! If your heart is with God, and you are relying on Him for all things, He might be using you to bring more of His Church up and out!

Study the Bible shepherds and all their stories. See how they all are connected in bringing that Perfect Shepherd Jesus to us! Happy Studying!

-Sherry Amor