Our Lord Jesus Christ is not only identified in the New Testament as “the good shepherd [who] giveth His life for the sheep,” but also as “our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep,” who was “brought again from the dead … [to] make you perfect in every good work to do His will,” and as “the chief Shepherd [who] shall appear” to give to His faithful servants “a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” In the past, He is the Good Shepherd, dying for us; in the present, He is the Great Shepherd, living for us; in the future, He is the Chief Shepherd, coming for us. “Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” And how gracious and tender is His shepherd care for those for whom He died. “He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.” “And ye, My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God,” and “I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.” Every true believer in Christ can say with all confidence, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” |