SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD. WHO ARE THEY?
1. They are the spiritually lost, without direction or guidance (Matt. 9:36).
2. They are the ones without God’s guidance. Someone who has wandered away from God’s guidance and is in need of restoration (Ps. 119:176).
3. They are the ones who are ignorant of God’s ways and have turned to their own selfish desires (Isaiah 53:6).
4. They are the afflicted, oppressed, and in need of rescue (Ezk. 34:4)
5. They are the ones separated from God due to sin and are in need of reconciliation.
THE PLIGHT OF THE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD
In Matthew 9:36, Jesus used the imagery of sheep without a shepherd to describe the plight of the multitudes of people He saw, in their helpless situation, which moves Him to have compassion for them.
Sheep without a Shepherd are vulnerable to predators, prone to wandering off, and unable to find their way back. They are in a state of distress and disorientation.
IMPLICATIONS OF OF BEING SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD (Matthew 9:36)
Being sheep without a shepherd has serious implications, such as:
1. Vulnerability to Predators (1 Peter 5:8)
Without a shepherd, sheep are vulnerable to predators such as wolves, bears, and lions.
▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, Satan (1 Peter 5:8). Satan seeks to devour us, but Jesus, our Shepherd, protects us from harm.
2. Wandering and Confusion (Isaiah 53:6)
Sheep without a shepherd often wander aimlessly, unsure of where to go or what to do.
▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we can wander through life without direction or purpose (Isaiah 53:6). We may feel lost, confused, and uncertain about our future.
3. Lack of Provision and Care (Psalm 23:1-3)
A shepherd provides for the needs of his sheep, ensuring they have food, water, and shelter. Without a shepherd, sheep may go hungry, thirsty, and homeless.
▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we may feel unprovided for, uncared for, and unloved (Psalm 23:1-3). But Jesus, our Shepherd, promises to provide for our needs and care for us.
4. Exposure to Danger (Ezekiel 34:5-6)
Sheep without a shepherd are exposed to danger, such as harsh weather conditions, steep cliffs, and raging rivers.
▪︎ Similarly, without Jesus as our Shepherd, we are exposed to the dangers of sin, temptation, and spiritual attack (Ezekiel 34:5-6). But Jesus, our Shepherd, protects us from harm and keeps us safe.
5. Spiritual Death (John 10:10)
Finally, sheep without a shepherd are at risk of spiritual death. Without Jesus as our Shepherd, we are separated from God and face eternal condemnation (John 10:10). But Jesus, our Shepherd, came to give us life, and life abundantly.
REMEDIES FOR SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD.
1. Repentance and Returning to God (Hosea 14:1-2)
The first step is to repent and return to God.
▪︎ We must acknowledge our sin, turn away from it, and seek God’s forgiveness.
2. Seeking God’s Guidance (Psalm 23:3-4)
▪︎ We must seek God’s guidance and trust in His care. We can do this by reading His Word, praying, and seeking counsel from spiritual leaders.
3. Following Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:27-28).
▪︎ We must follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for us.
▪︎ We can do this by obeying His commands, trusting in His care, and following His example.
4. Abiding in God’s Presence (Psalm 91:1-2)
▪︎ We must abide in God’s presence, where we can find rest, safety, and guidance. ▪︎We can do this by spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on God’s Word.
5. Joining a Community of Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
▪︎ We must join a community of believers, where we can find support, encouragement, and guidance.
▪︎ We can do this by attending church, participating in small groups, and serving others.
6. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty (Romans 8:28)
Finally, we must trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of all things.
▪︎ We can do this by surrendering our worries, fears, and doubts to Him, and trusting in His goodness and care.