November - The Shepherd

A shepherd watches over the sheep, protect the sheep, feed and water the sheep, and in every way care for the sheep against threats to the them.

What are the characteristics of a shepherd?

• Must be tough at heart.
• Must be willing to do hard work.
• Must be willing to be humbled daily.
• Must not be afraid to learn new things.
• Must have great endurance.
• Must exhibit ability to observe.
• Must have patience.

“The Way of the Shepherd”

• Know the Condition of Your Flock.
• Discover the SHAPE of Your Sheep.
• Help Your Sheep Identify with You.
• Make Your Pasture a Safe Place.
• The Staff of Direction.
• The Rod of Correction.
• The Heart of the Shepherd.

John 10

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

'I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

What did Jesus say about being a Shepherd?

God called his people to repentance with the promises of his graciousness, and he said that if they responded he gave a promise, “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15)

The shepherd's job is to protect and guard the sheep against false teachers. Fostering sound Christ-centred doctrine and, when necessary, applying church discipline (Matthew 18:15–20) is part of the shepherd's responsibility in loving his sheep.