For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy . . . Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock. (Zechariah 11:16,17)Chapter 11 contains the allegory of the two shepherds. The people of Israel and Judah are in triple trouble: They have been sold by those who care only for profit; their buyers have slaughtered them; and their shepherds have abandoned them (v. 5). God instructs his shepherd to care for the flock.
God's faithful shepherd honors his commitment, providing pasture and protection for the sheep, especially for the weak and oppressed. But rather than appreciate the one who feeds and shelters them, the sheep resent the shepherd and rebel against his leadership. Upon firing him, they present to him his severance pay: 30 pieces of silver.
In place of the faithful shepherd, God gives them over to a worthless shepherd who abandons the lost sheep under his charge, lets the young wander off without exerting any effort to bring them home, refuses to salve their wounds, and leaves them to fend for themselves.
In John 10 Jesus declares that he is the Good Shepherd. In doing so, was he thinking about the writings of Zechariah? Likely. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Do you struggle against your Shepherd or gratefully rest in his tender care?
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