“So I became the shepherd of the flock doomed to be slaughtered by the sheep traders. And I took two staffs, one I named Favor, the other I named Union. And I tended the sheep. In one month I destroyed the three shepherds. But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me.”
— Zechariah 11:7-8
The good shepherd is kind to his sheep.
Because of his love for his sheep, he actively seeks their good— healing the maimed and nourishing the healthy. He isalways for your good and never for your demise.
The good shepherd unites his flock.
There is one flock and one shepherd. When his sheep move, they move together. Together they follow the voice of the one they belong to. To stay close to the good shepherd is to stay close to the flock.
The good shepherd protects his sheep.
He cares for his sheep. He doesn't flee in the face of trouble; he stands strong when he sees the wolves coming. He leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one that has gone astray. His love for you is so deep that he willingly laid his life down to save you.