SHEPHERD

Definition:

A leader, a guide (also see “Staff/Rod”)

Scripture:

• Jesus, as our Shepherd, is said to lead us, but specifically our soul (our thinking). In other words, someone who teaches our minds, to lead us into the truth.

Psalms 23:1-3 (KJV) A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

1 Peter 2:25 (NKJV) For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

• When Jesus saw the people as sheep without a shepherd, His response was to teach them many things.  Their need was teaching/guidance, and Jesus saw them in need of a “shepherd.” So a shepherd leads/guides.

Mark 6:34 (KJV) And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

• Jesus, as our Shepherd, is said to use a rod/staff, which is a word for “leading, guiding or correction” (see “Staff/Rod“).

Psalms 23:1, 4 (KJV) A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Verse 4) …for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

• Our Shepherd is said to call us and lead us.

John 10:2-3 (KJV) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

• Side Note: There are many scriptures in the Bible that explain results of Jesus being our Shepherd, as in Psalms 23 or Ezekiel 34. He makes us lie down, He feeds us, etc., but it is important to know that those are not the definitions of the word shepherd. Our goal in this glossary definition is not to explain the results of Jesus’ shepherding in our minds, but to define the word shepherd broadly, whether it is referring to Jesus, or anyone else. Shepherd has a single definition that can be applied anywhere the word is used. As Jesus leads us as a shepherd, there are good results that come from that (rest, receiving), but a shepherd is a leader, a guide, properly. The results that come from that guidance are aside from the definition.

• David is used as a symbol of Jesus, particularly in His shepherd and king role. David (or Jesus) is said to be a “shepherd” of Israel, but in other places a “witness, leader and commander” that calls out to us, and to whom we should incline our ear to. This gives insight into the meaning of the word shepherd, as a leader or guide.

Ezekiel 37:24 (KJV) And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Isaiah 55:3-5 (KJV) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not…

• Opinion: I am not convinced that the word “Shepherd” specifically refers to teaching, but rather leading in any context, whether that be leading our mind (teaching) or leading in any other way. It just so happens that Jesus is the leader of our soul, which is referring to teaching.