Caring for the Sheep

The Chief Shepherd provides under-Shepherds for His sheep (; ; )

Explanation: Jesus established His Church () and He is the One who has promised that is should remain until He returns. Because it is Jesus’ church, and not a product of men, we can know that it will not fail. Christ may move His Church from one place in the world to another, but there will always be His church in this world.

The model that Jesus set up was that of multitudes of individual local bodies of believers, spread throughout the world to be salt and light. Each of these groups is under the Authority of the Good Shepherd (). He is the One Shepherd, and believers collectively make up the one flock. But Christ has provided under-shepherds (elders) to provide oversight of the many flocks.

Argument: Jesus gave Peter repeated commands to feed His sheep () and then He gives the Great Commission to all of the Apostles (). These 11 were the original elders who had to task of making disciples and teaching new believers. These men did so, and appointed other elders to continue the task. We see this in Paul’s letter to Timothy (). Timothy, as an elder at the Church of Ephesus, was to train faithful men, who would in turn, train other faithful men. And the writer of Hebrews reminds his listeners that the God of peace has equipped the church with every good thing for them to do His will (). That includes the gift of pastor-teachers to the Church

Application: The position of under-Shepherds is not simply a good idea; they are God’s provision for His church. The Chief Shepherd is the One who calls and equips these men to guide and guard His sheep.

The under-Shepherds have been given oversight of the sheep (1 Peter 5:2a)

Explanation: Jesus commanded Peter to feed and tend His sheep (). Paul commanded the Ephesian elders to care for the flock and to protect the sheep from predators (). Paul commissioned Titus to “put things in order” and to appoint qualified elders who would be able to “give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (, )

Illustrate: During the days of the Roman Empire, wealthy citizens would hire tutors for their children. The tutors were tasked with instilling the children not only with knowledge, but developing character as well.

Argument: In summary, the shepherds (elders) are to care for the flock. It is important to note that in the NT, the elders are always presented in the plural; the concept of a single elder presiding over a local church is a foreign concept. As under-Shepherds, the Elders were tasked with providing food & water, leading the sheep in and out, protecting the flock from predators, and seeking the strays. This means providing nourishment through the preaching/teaching of the Word, leading the flock to God’s desired destination, guarding against false teachers and heresies, and providing comfort to those who are struggling.

Application: On there own, sheep will not do well in the long run. Sheep need shepherds. God knows His people very well - He knows that humans are like sheep in lots of ways, and that we need shepherds. Therefore, God has provided His people with Elders to lead & guide His sheep. The Elders, however, are not free to do whatever they desire. Each has been tasked with the care of the sheep, and one day there will be an accounting.

The under-Shepherds are to practice their oversight in specific ways (1 Peter 5:2b-3)

Elders are to serve willing, not a result of compulsion (v. 2b)

Explanation: Those who serve as elders must have the inner desire to serve. It has to be a calling from God. (). If a man is not utterly convinced that he has a call from God to serve, he will not stay the course.

Illustrate: Tim Nicodemus: “If I get this job, will I have to go to church here?”

Argument: hirelings will not last. They will leave when trouble comes, and the sheep will suffer for it. Those who enter the pastorate so they only have to work 2 days a week are in for a wake up call.

Elders are to care for the sheep, not fleece them due to greed or laziness (v. 2c)

Explanation: It is instructive that in both sections of Scripture that list the spiritual qualifications for elders, a prohibition against greed is presented. The love of money is a powerful negative force that will wreak havoc in the flock.

Illustrate: situation at Tri-City. The former pastor took a lot of the money and when he left, the church was broke

Argument: Churches have a responsibility to adequately provide for their Elders. The NT makes this clear

Elders are to be positive examples, not tyrants (v. 3)

Explanation: Shepherds are to love the sheep, not use them or abuse them. The position of spiritual leadership is in a different category than that of a CEO. Jesus was a servant-leader (), and His under-Shepherds are to follow His example

Argument: Trust & respect have to be earned by providing authentic care for the sheep. People know when a pastor is real, and they can also spot one who is arrogant and self-promoting.

The Sheep are to respect and follow the under-Shepherds with humility (1 Peter 5:5)