Ezekiel, Jesus, Sheep and Shepherds

God has a habit of using everyday scenarios and language to communicate with His people. Among the wide variety of imagery used includes vines, sheep and their shepherds, prostitutes, breasts, nakedness and much more besides. Don't believe me? Check out the book of Ezekiel!

Jesus also used down to earth stories involving scenarios people could easily imagine as real and relate to. He also picked up on these same themes from Ezekiel (and the other prophets). This must have spiked the religious leaders - was Jesus in effect saying to them: 'look at what Ezekiel described ... have you learnt nothing from those days? Have you not moved on at all?'.

Take sheep and shepherds for example. Read Ezekiel 34 and make a note of how many parallels you see with Jesus, his stories and dialogue with the fractious elements of the crowds.

Jesus told the story of the Lost Sheep - check out Ezekiel 34 verses 4 to 7 and 11 to 16. Note also the theme of healing and helping those injured or broken and correlate it with the practical ministry of Jesus among the crowds.

Verses 7 onwards talks of the need for a Good Shepherd, with verse 11 saying 'I myself will ...'. Now read what Jesus says (direct to the Pharisees) in John chapter 10! Return now to Ezekiel and verses 23 - 24.

Back-tracking a bit to v17, Ezekiel talks of judgement between sheep and goats. Jesus picks this image up in his famous depiction written up by Matthew (chapter 25). Note how the bad ones are making life difficult for all by trampling the pasture, muddying the drinking water, pushing/shoving/butting out the weak - driving them away. That's the reverse of God's intent, which is why they must be replaced.

Ezekiel chapter 34 verses 25 to 31 present a different vision: with God (Jesus) as their shepherd there will be a new age of thriving and blessing. The old yoke will be broken (ah ha - Jesus picked up on that too!), paving the way for the wonderful declaration of v31:

You are my sheep of my pasture, and I am your God.

Let Jesus be your Good Shepherd, learn to follow and take on the work that He gives you as one of his under-shepherds, joining the work of spreading the blessing, caring, healing, and gathering in other lost sheep.