God rebukes the shepherds who only take care of themselves. The shepherds of Israel were selfish--they ate the curds, clothed themselves with wool, and slaughtered choice animals. They were lazy--they didn't take care of the weak or sick sheep or look for strays. How much sheep suffer under such shepherds!

God himself would be their Shepherd. He would rescue them from the places where they were scattered and bring them to good pasture; he would settle disputes between one sheep and another; he would rule them with justice.

God promised to send the true Shepherd, a descendant of King David, to shepherd his people. He sent Jesus to be that Shepherd (Jn 10:11). Jesus is the source of peace and real blessing. When we submit to him as our Shepherd, he gives us life to the full. When we imitate him, we are free to lay down our lives like him. We are not selfish or greedy, but eager to serve (1 Pe 5:2). Let’s reflect today on my relationship with Jesus as my Shepherd and how I shepherd others.
Application: Father, thank you for giving us Jesus to be our Good Shepherd. Help me to imitate him.
One Word: Be a shepherd like Jesus