The Shepherd

Throughout Scripture the shepherd stands as a vivid picture of God's compassionate leadership over his people, tracing from Abel the keeper of sheep whose offering found favor to David the shepherd boy anointed as king and ultimately to Jesus who presents himself as the good shepherd. In this role the shepherd not only provides green pastures and restores the soul but also lays down his life to rescue the flock from danger and gathers the scattered sheep into one fold. At the end of the age the chief shepherd will appear to bestow an unfading crown of glory upon those who have served under his direction.