Ezekiel 34 is a prophecy pertaining to shepherds and sheep. This prophecy is regarding the shepherds that were overseers for the people of God, and another shepherd that was to come later. Ezekiel foretold of the Messiah who would, like a true shepherd, come to keep God’s people safe.

Jesus says in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” By referring to himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah the scriptures foretold. Sheep during the time of Jesus were defenseless and totally dependent upon the shepherd to keep a watchful eye and protect them from danger. The sheep knew their shepherd’s voice and would follow him when called. As shepherd of his sheep, Jesus is the one who protects, guides, and nurtures his flock. He knows every one of his sheep by name, calls them to follow him, and they know his voice.

Read

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15) 

Discuss

Who are Jesus’ sheep?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd to all who believe upon him. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Are there other shepherds besides Jesus?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, not a good shepherd, as others may be. John 10:4, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”

How do we respond to other voices to try to lead us astray?

Run away from those who try to lure us away from God and, instead, stay close to the Good Shepherd.

What did Jesus mean when he said, “I lay down my life for the sheep?”

Jesus laid down his life for us, his sheep, as a sacrifice for our sins so we could have abundant and eternal life with God.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the Good Shepherd who guides and leads me to the eternal life that you have prepared for me. I give praise that he knows me by name and that I am his. I’m grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross that made me one of his sheep. Lord, I pray that whenever I wander or go astray, I will hear my shepherd’s voice calling me back to his flock. I am at peace knowing that Jesus, my shepherd, is always watching over me and protecting me from the dangers of this world.

In Jesus’ Holy Name,

Amen.