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 them 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 who 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. 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) For
the church, those who minister do so as the hands of Jesus.
4. The people need 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
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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