Title: Sheep Without a Shepherd: A Call for True Pastoral Care
In the New Testament, Jesus often referred to His followers as sheep. In John 10, He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This metaphor is rich with meaning, revealing both the character of Jesus and the nature of His people. To understand the depth of this image, we must look closely at what it means to be sheep — and more importantly, what it means to be a shepherd.
Sheep Are Vulnerable
Sheep are one of the few domesticated animals that have virtually no natural defenses. They can’t run fast, they have no claws or fangs, and their instinct in danger is often to freeze or flee blindly. In the wild, a sheep without a shepherd is simply an easy meal.
The Apostle Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” The connection is clear. If we are sheep, then Satan is the predator — cunning, powerful, and constantly on the hunt. Left to ourselves, we are in grave danger.
The Role of the Shepherd
A shepherd’s job is not just to lead sheep to green pastures but to protect them — to stand between them and danger. David, the shepherd-king of Israel, spoke of fighting off lions and bears to guard his flock (1 Samuel 17:34–35). In the same way, spiritual shepherds — today’s pastors — are meant to guard their congregations from spiritual harm.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. He didn’t just teach crowds; He knew His followers by name, walked with them, corrected them, and ultimately gave His life for them. His shepherding was intimate, sacrificial, and vigilant.
Preaching Is Not Enough
Today, many who bear the title “pastor” focus primarily on preaching — delivering sermons from a stage — but shepherding is far more than that. The word pastor itself comes from the Latin for “shepherd.” Yet too often, churches are filled with people who hear weekly messages but are never truly tended to. No one knows when they’re struggling, drifting, or in danger. No one goes after the lost sheep.
This is not what Jesus envisioned for His church.
In Ezekiel 34, God rebukes the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves rather than their flocks: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?” He accuses them of neglecting the weak, failing to bring back the strays, and ruling harshly instead of nurturing. Tragically, that rebuke could be spoken over many churches today.
A Call to True Shepherding
We are living in a time when spiritual predators are everywhere — false teachings, temptation, distraction, and despair. The enemy is not asleep. He is devouring the isolated, the untaught, and the unguarded. What the body of Christ needs now more than ever are not just eloquent speakers, but vigilant, humble, loving shepherds.
If you are a pastor, you are called not just to preach, but to protect — to know your people, guide them, care for them, and if necessary, fight for them. And if you are a member of a church, ask yourself: Am I being shepherded or simply preached to?
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for His sheep. Let His example be our standard.