One of the most important titles that our Savior gave Himself is that of “the good shepherd.”  We find this most comforting designation set forth in John 10:11– “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Perhaps there is no other image of our Savior more blessed than this one!  But have you ever wondered why Jesus used that tender symbol to picture His relationship to us who belong to Him? Well, the answer may surprise you!

This is where Sunday’s sermon passage from Ezekiel comes into play.  In Ezekiel 34:11-16, the Lord makes a promise to the captive Israelites that the prophet Ezekiel is to proclaim to them there in Babylon.  The opening words of this promise say it all:

“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness” (vv. 11-12).

This is surely the Old Testament passage that Jesus had in mind when He called Himself the “good shepherd.”

On Sunday, we will explore this Old Testament prophecy further, and we will see even more of the glory and power of the One who is our great and good Shepherd!