The Accountability of Shepherds: God's Judgment on Negligent Leaders (05/11/'24) -Passage

The Accountability of Shepherds: God's Judgment on Negligent Leaders The passage from Jeremiah 23:2 is an Old Testament verse where God condemns the shepherds (leaders or priests) of Israel for failing to care for His people, allowing them to be scattered and exploited. The imagery of a shepherd and his flock is used frequently in the Bible, symbolizing leadership and care. In the New Testament, similar themes are expressed, particularly by Jesus, who often speaks of shepherds and their responsibility to care for their flock. Here are some New Testament passages closely related to the message in Jeremiah 23:2: John 10:11-13: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep." Explanation: Jesus contrasts Himself, the "Good Shepherd," who protects and cares for His sheep, with false leaders (hired hands) who abandon the flock at the first sign of danger. Matthew 25:31-46: In this passage, Jesus describes the separation of the sheep and the goats during the final judgment. He tells those who did not care for "the least of these" (the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, and the sick) that they are condemned. Explanation: This passage emphasizes the responsibility to care for those in need, which the "shepherds" or leaders have neglected. Not caring for the vulnerable is equivalent to not caring for Jesus. 1 Peter 5:2-4: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." Explanation: The apostle Peter instructs the leaders of the early church to be shepherds and care for God's flock sincerely and willingly. This parallels Jeremiah 23:2 in highlighting the responsibility of shepherds (leaders) to nurture the flock properly. In summary, the New Testament passages echo the theme in Jeremiah 23:2 about the duty of shepherds (leaders) to care for their flock with dedication and faithfulness. They emphasize that leaders will be held accountable for neglecting this responsibility and abusing their power. Jesus' teachings and the apostolic letters reinforce that leaders should be examples of service and love to their community. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 11, 2024)