The Importance for Hope
Is the job of leading a country the highest privilege and challenge a person can have? This is what was said by Jacinta Ardern, the retiring prime minister of New Zealand when she announced he resignation in January 2023. As we focus on how much Jesus, the Great Shepherd of His Church, cares for and loves His ‘sheep’, we find that that view is not correct. Both the Lord’s Supper and the appointment of elders reveal that the task of an elder (undershepherd) is the job that is the greatest privilge to do and also presents the worker with the greatest challenge.
- THE GREATEST PRIVILEGE IN ALL THE WORLD
- CHRIST’S LOVE AND CARE AS THE GREAT SHEPHERD
- CHRIST’S CONTINUING CARE IN THE PROVISION OF ELDERS
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Matthew 9:35–38 (NIV84)
35Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Text
1 Peter 5:1–4 (NIV84)
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:
2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;
3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
