June 2012

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the baptism of 11 people, ranging in age from 8 years to the mid-forties. It brought to my mind how scripture is careful to distinguish between an outward act and an inward faith.

Five Shepherds of Zechariah 11

In the eleventh chapter of Zechariah, there are five shepherds mentioned.

1. Jesus as Shepherd

The first shepherd is the Lord Jesus Christ who fed Israel during His ministry among them. Israel is termed a ‘flock for slaughter,’ because its national leaders would reject Him, resulting in the nation of Israel's slaughter by the Roman army under General Titus. In particular, Jesus blessed the poor of the flock with His teachings and demonstrations of miraculous powers. His grace brought salvation to sinners, and His unity brought harmony between people from diverse social backgrounds. He fed the flock with grace and truth (grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17).

So I fed the flock for slaughter, in particular the poor of the flock. I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Beauty (Grace), and the other I called Bonds (Unity); and I fed the flock. Zechariah 11:7

Jesus: A Three-Fold Shepherd

Shepherd with his flock

Good Shepherd (past)

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus gave His life for the sheep. We look back to the cross where we see Jesus, as a shepherd, dying upon the cross for us. His death and resurrection were necessary for our redemption. It is through His precious blood that our sins may be forgiven.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11

Cross, Crook, and Crown

Cross: Psalms 22

Cross and Crown of Thorns My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent. Psalms 22:1-2

Shearing Sheep: Fleecing the Flock

Introduction

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