Rev 7:17 11/7/82

DOCTRINE OF CHRIST THE SHEPHERD

A. Christ is presented three ways as a shepherd:

1. In Jn 10:10-11, He is presented as “the good shepherd” in that He lays down His life for the sheep. This refers to Christ’s saving work on the cross.

2. In Heb 13:20-21, He is called “the great shepherd.” This title refers to a fortiori blessing, or divine blessing to mature believers.

3. “The chief shepherd” in 1 Pet 5:4 is the title for Christ as we face Him after death in an interim body.

B. The Lord our Shepherd provides for us, His sheep, in seven areas.

1. The believer, like a sheep, is helpless and has no sense of direction; a sheep must be guided by a shepherd. We need Bible doctrine as our guide.

2. A sheep can’t clean himself; this is a reminder of our Lord’s provision of rebound.

3. A sheep is helpless when injured. So as we are injured by the various problems in life, only our Lord can provide the necessary therapy.

4. A sheep is defenseless. He depends on the shepherd.

5. A sheep can’t find food or water for himself. A sheep must depend on the shepherd to lead him to water.

6. A sheep is easily frightened or panicked. The shepherd calms the sheep with songs in the night, i.e., Bible doctrine in the soul.

7. When the sheep produces wool it doesn’t belong to the sheep but to the shepherd. __________________________________________________________________________

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