Jesus Christ, as shepherd

A title for Jesus Christ indicating believers' dependence on him as he protects, tends and guides those whom he knows intimately.

Prophecies about the shepherd Messiah

Ezekiel 34:23 See also Ezekiel 37:24; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6; Micah 5:4; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31 parallel Mark 14:27

I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

Jesus Christ's role as the good shepherd

He has compassion for the helpless

Matthew 9:36 See also Mark 6:34; John 11:52

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

He seeks lost sheep

Matthew 18:12–14 parallel Luke 15:3–7 See also Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24; Luke 19:10; John 10:16

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

He knows his own sheep

John 10:14–15 See also Matthew 25:32; John 10:27

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.

His sheep know his voice

John 10:4 See also John 10:3, John 10:5, John 10:16, John 10:27

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

He provides for and protects his sheep

John 10:9 See also John 10:28

I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.

He lays down his life for his sheep

John 10:11 See also Matthew 26:31 parallel Mark 14:27; John 10:14–15, John 10:17–18

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

He judges the sheep

Matthew 25:32–46

Jesus Christ shepherds his flock

Christians are Jesus Christ's flock

Luke 12:32 See also Matthew 10:16; John 10:16; Acts 20:29; Romans 8:36

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

Under-shepherds are appointed over Jesus Christ's flock

John 21:15–17 See also Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2–4

When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

Jesus Christ the risen Lord is Shepherd

Revelation 7:17 See also Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:4

For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”