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The Shepherd
“Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding
the flock with his brethren” (Genesis 37:2).
“Behold, he keepeth the sheep … David”
(1 Samuel 16:11, 13).
The two most beautiful and complete types, or pictures, of the Lord Jesus in the Old Testament are Joseph and David. At every turn there is something in their life that points forward to the life and work of Christ, either past, present or future.
It is significant that in both instances they are introduced to us as shepherds. I am sure we see the parallel immediately from some verses in John’s gospel. “He that entereth in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep … I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep … I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine” (John 10:2,11,14).
As we consider this aspect of the person and work of Christ, what comfort and joy will fill our hearts. As the Shepherd He died for us, and as our Shepherd He is caring for us as well. David could say, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
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