The New Testament idea of the pastor has its roots in the Old Testament shepherd-motif. In this lecture you will identify the theme of God’s preference for the shepherd as the first step toward a fuller understanding of the ministry of the pastor.
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Here are some key takeaways from the teaching:
The task of a shepherd is to lead a flock to green pastures, where they may graze safely.
The Hebrew term, ra’ah, appears 144 times in the OT. The prevalence of the term indicates the importance of the life of the shepherd in the life and theology of Israel.
Genesis 4:2 – Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain tilled the soil: God’s preference for the shepherd. Why does God favor the offering of Abel?
The reason is behind the story, not in the story. The context of the wilderness wandering provides the key for understanding God’s preference for the shepherd in the narrative of Cain and Abel.
Genesis 46:34 – Joseph advises his brothers to ask Pharaoh for the land of Goshen because shepherds were detestable to the Egyptians.
After having been made slaves to the Egyptians, the Israelites had developed an inferiority complex concerning their pastoral lifestyle.
Exodus 3:1 – Moses married in the wilderness of Sinai and Jethro gives him the task of shepherding the sheep.
God’s preference for the shepherd can be seen again in the life of David. David was the least of his brothers, and this is clearly depicted in his role as the shepherd of the family.
David’s kingship was depicted not in terms of rulership or authority, but in terms of the pastoral task. Psalm 78:72 – And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands, he led them.
Ezekiel 34:23 – I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them and be their shepherd.
The promise of the return of the shepherding ministry of David is fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus as the Good Shepherd is the subject of the next lecture.
Lecture Two: Jesus, the Good Shepherd
