Biblical Sheep and Shepherds
The Bible gives shepherding an elevated status. The heads of the covenants, Adam (Gen. 2:20), Noah (Gen. 7:2), Abraham (Gen. 13:5), Moses (Exod. 3:1), David (1 Sam. 17:15, 34-35) were all associated with sheep for a time. Christ himself is the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep and his sheep know him (John 10:14; cf. Psa. 23:1; 80:1; Ezek. 34:12; Matt. 2:6; Heb. 13:20). God's people are often referred to as sheep (Psa. 78:52; 79:13; 95:7; Jer. 50:6; Matt. 10:6; 15:24; 25:32-36) and Christ is their shepherd (1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4). Even pastors of churches are referred to as shepherds (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2).
But of all things, why does God call his people sheep? First, sheep tend to wander as do God's people (Isa. 53:6; Luke 15:1-7). Second, sheep are helpless without a shepherd and Christ's kingly subjects are helpless without him (Num. 27:17; Matt. 9:36: cf. Isa. 53:6). Third, just like God's elect follow him, sheep follow their shepherd (John 10:3-5, 27; cf. Matt. 25:32-36). Fourth, sheep walk closely together in a flock (Isa. 40:10-11) and so do God's servants (cf. Heb. 13:17). Fifth, sheep must be cared for and nourished, and so do God's children (Psa. 23:1-6; John 21:16-17). Sixth, sheep aren't oxen, so they aren't designed to carry heavy loads, and neither are God's sons and daughters (Psa. 55:22; 1 Pet. 5:7). Seventh, there are dangerous threats to sheep, and the Lord's special possession also need to be wary of outward dangers (Matt. 7:15; 10:16).
Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).