He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.
Isaiah 40:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
John 10:11
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen
Hebrews 13:20-21
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory
that does not fade away.
I Peter 5:4
The people of Bible times were very familiar with shepherds, their locals being so closely attached to agrarian societies. But, in addition to familiarity culturally, there was also an understanding Scripturally and historically. As noted above, Isaiah, John, Paul and Peter all identify Jesus using a phrase identified directly with that of a shepherd.
It is only appropriate Jesus is identified as such–because in Scripture we are identified as lambs and sheep. Why might that be? I suggest it is because, like sheep, we all are rather dumb and quite helpless. We go astray, wander off, and both foolishly and dangerously choose to ignore the things which are right, good, and helpful. Yet our Shepherd is merciful and gracious. We are given a Shepherd who will lovingly lead us, a Shepherd who will shoulder us in our weakness and in His strong arms, gently carry and lead those who are, and with young.
As David says, “The Lord is my shepherd…” How great that the Lord Jesus is our Shepherd!
Maranatha!