The Good Shepherd

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026

We’ll be bouncing around in the major prophets for a little bit longer, examining the Messianic promises that point us to the New Testament and Jesus.

Ezekiel 34 is an indictment of Israel’s leaders. These “shepherds” (kings, priests, and rulers) have been fleecing the flock rather than feeding it, exploiting the vulnerable rather than protecting them. God’s verdict is clear: “I am against the shepherds” (Ezekiel 34:10). In Reality TV fashion, He fires them. And then, He declares that He Himself will come and do what they failed to do: “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (Ezekiel 34:11).

This is one of the most direct messianic promises in the Old Testament. When Jesus stands up in the New Testament and says “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), He is declaring Ezekiel 34 fulfilled. The scattered are gathered. The injured are healed. The lost are found. Every longing for good leadership, for someone who will actually show up for you, finds its answer in Christ.

Psalm 145 echoes in response: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8), highlighting our Good Shepherd’s character.

Devotional Prompts:

Where have you been wounded by the failure of human leaders and how might Ezekiel 34’s promise of Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring you healing and hope?
How does Psalm 145’s portrait of God’s compassion reshape your image of what leadership and care are meant to look like?

Prayer: Good Shepherd, where human leaders have failed us, You have promised to come Yourself. Gather what is scattered in our lives, bind what is broken, and lead us beside still waters. Amen.