CHIEF SHEPHERD

In the opening verses of the chapter, Peter is writing as an elder to elders to encourage them in their work for the Lord. Peter is concerned that a work of such vital importance to the local church should be done well.

Elders are men who work ‘among’ the flock, vv. 1-2. Peter reminds them that it is ‘the flock of God’, v. 2. Their work, as under-shepherds, is to tend, feed, guide and guard, and they fulfil the role ‘not by constraint but willingly’. Above all, they are to be ‘ensamples to the flock’, v. 3. This word, ‘ensamples’, means ‘a print left as an impression after a blow has been struck’, Kenneth Wuest. We can all make, and leave, impressions upon the lives of others. Oh that these impressions might be good ones! Into this context, Peter brings ‘the chief Shepherd’, v. 4.

One day, the disciples were concerned as to who would be accounted greatest. Human nature makes men and women keen on status, reputation, and power. But the Chief Shepherd could say, ‘I am among you as he that serveth’, Luke 22. 27. He who ‘thought it not robbery to be equal with God ... made himself of no reputation’, Phil. 2. 6, 7.

After the beheading of John Baptist, the Lord departed into a desert place apart, Matt. 14. 13. The rest that He sought was disturbed by the multitude who followed and ‘came together unto him’, Mark 6. 33. Of the Chief Shepherd it is recorded, He ‘was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd’, Mark 6. 34. He healed, taught and fed that company, even though they numbered more than 5,000.

These brief glimpses of Christ in His rejection will be replaced by a vision far more glorious than we can comprehend, ‘when the chief Shepherd shall appear’. But, how remarkable, He comes bringing rewards for those who have faithfully served Him. What an encouragement! What a scene of tremendous joy! This reward is not the fading, corruptible, laurel of earth. This is a ‘crown of glory’ bestowed by the Chief Shepherd and placed by those once nail-pierced hands.