Shepherd: Guardian of the Sheep

In Bible times, shepherding was part of everyday life, and Scripture draws on it again and again to describe how God watches over, feeds and leads His people. This article looks at what a shepherd actually did, why sheep needed to know their master's voice, and how the picture is fulfilled in Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Guarding the Flock Day and Night

Sheep are quickly scattered and vulnerable, so in Bible times, during the day, the shepherd continually watched over them to keep them safe from wild animals and natural hazards, as there were no fences (1 Sam 17:34-35; Isa 13:14; Zech 13:7; Mt 18:12-13, 26:31). At night the sheep were led back to the safety of the sheepfold, an enclosure where again the shepherd, or another person, stayed on guard duty (Lk 2:8; Jn 10:1-10). The true shepherd's attention is always focused on the well-being of the vulnerable sheep, which are often oblivious to the dangers lurking nearby, ready to take advantage of the situation.

Recognising the Shepherd's Voice

It was for the sheep's own well-being that they recognised and responded to the voice of their master. Often there were small flocks belonging to different shepherds in one locality, and the sheep would learn to distinguish their master's voice and so follow the right one. Similarly, the 'Shepherd Psalm' infers us hearing His voice, coupled with obedience in following, when it says 'He leads me', confident He has my best interests at heart (Ps 23:1-6; Jn 10:3-5,14,16,27). Responding to the shepherd's directions willingly, and staying alert to danger, made his work easier – and so it is for the Good Shepherd and His flock today.

Jesus said His sheep follow Him. Is that true of me?

The Good Shepherd and His Under-Shepherds

Shepherd caring for his sheep In the Bible the care of a shepherd for his sheep is used as an illustration of God's care over His people, with Jesus, the Good Shepherd (also called the Great Shepherd and Head Shepherd), who gave His life for the sheep, contrasted to hired helpers who have less devotion (Jn 10:11-13; Heb 13:20-21; 1 Pet 5:4). "The Lord tends His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart, gently leading those that have young" (Isa 40:11).

Numerous times in Scripture the term shepherd is used figuratively for those who 'pasture' human beings in the spiritual sense – they feed and care for them. Paul commanded the church elders to "keep watch over yourselves and all the flock...be shepherds of the church of God" (Act 20:28-29). Part of the shepherd's responsibility (for which they are held accountable) is to know the condition of their flock, "the sheep of God's pasture", and to follow in the footsteps of the 'Great Shepherd' in caring for them (Prov 27:23; Jer 23:1-4; Ezek 34:2-31). Jesus also saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd, harassed and helpless – without the spiritual guidance and support they desperately needed, as the religious leaders of the day were not fulfilling their role (Mt 9:36).

Reflection and Application:

Sheep learn their master's voice through daily contact – how familiar am I with His voice?
The shepherd's watchfulness was constant, day and night – do I trust His care in every season?
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep – how do I respond to such devotion?
Under-shepherds must know the condition of their flock – who has God entrusted to my care?