Read Jeremiah 23.
Jesus' harshest words were those that condemned the religious leaders of His day, because they were ungodly men, pretending to represent God. In this chapter, Jeremiah delivers a like message to the false prophets, ungodly priests, and derelict shepherds of Judah. God described their personal lives as evil-doers, adulterers, and liars. As a result, the people, like sheep without care and leadership, were needy and scattered.
What should they have been doing instead to prove themselves faithful shepherds of God's people?
1. The people need to be gathered. (v.3a)
Having a suitable place to assemble is a primary need of sheep and the responsibility of the shepherd. This is a New Testament priority for those claim to be followers of Jesus. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
2. The people need to be fruitful and multiply. (v.3b)
Without new births, the flock will eventually die off. Something is wrong when sheep do not reproduce. The faithful shepherd oversees and manages the health of the flock so that reproduction takes place. Followers of Jesus are commanded to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19)
3. The people need care. (v.4a)
Little lambs need special attention until they are mature enough to take care of themselves for the most part. On the journey, injuries happen. The kind shepherd pays attention to what is needed. For the church those who minister do so as the hands of Jesus. Jesus announced that He fulfilled this prophecy: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor and bind up the brokenhearted." (Isaiah 61:1)
4. The people need to their fears allayed. (v.4b)
Few animals are more skittish than sheep. They are incapable of protecting themselves. It is the shepherd's job to protect them from attack and harm. The faithful shepherd was prepared with a rod to fight off wolves. If anything were to cause trouble for the sheep they would have to go through the shepherd to get to them. Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep." "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:7 and 11)
5. The people need individual attention. (v.4c)
A large, gathered flock is often a healthy sign. But the good shepherd does not only sees the multitude, he sees individuals. There is no substitute for this personal relationship. "Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever." (Proverbs 27:23-24a) Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own knows me." (John 10:13b)
6. The people need to hear the word of God. (v.22)
This was the root issue. These phony prophets and priests claimed to be speaking for God. In fact, they were making up their own messages (vv.16 and 26) and merely quoting each other (v.30). The result of these false, feel-good messages meant the people did not turn from their sin and their lives were not changed (v.22). "Let him who has my word speak my word faithfully" (v.28b)
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