In this episode, we explore the connection between Ezekiel's prophecy about "David" as the servant shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23) and Matthew's presentation of Jesus as the ideal shepherd in his Gospel. We begin by examining Ezekiel 34:1-6, where the prophet critiques Israel's leaders for their self-centeredness, neglect, and abuse of their authority. These shepherds failed to feed, teach, heal, and seek the weak and lost sheep. Instead, they prioritized their own gain at the expense of the flock.
Matthew's Gospel shows us the contrast: Jesus steps into the role of shepherd that Israel’s leaders abandoned. Specifically, in chapters 8-10, and most notably in Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus embodies God's vision of what a truly good shepherd does. He feeds the people by teaching them, heals their afflictions, and seeks out the lost sheep. In this way, Jesus embodies Ezekiel's profile of God's servant "David" who would recapitulate and perfects the role of Israel's shepherd according to God's ideal.
What makes Jesus' shepherding unique and counter-intuitive is his focus on enabling others to become shepherds, too. Unlike narcissistic leaders who need to be needed, and fear the success of others, Jesus models what it looks like to be a true servant-leader. In Matthew 9:37-38, he invites his disciples to join him in shepherding Israel by seeing the sheep as having no shepherd as a plentiful harvest just waiting for more laborers to arrive, implying that the 12 are to not only pray for laborers, but are also intended to become the very laborers who get sent into the harvest. Then, in Matthew 10, their prayers are answered! Jesus sends the Twelve out into the harvest to teach, heal, and gather the lost, just as he has been doing. Jesus develops others into shepherds, demonstrating that healthy leadership prioritizes serving the development of others over self-preservation.
As the "David" of Ezekiel 34, Jesus is the mature, servant-like shepherd who leads selflessly and empowers others to step into leadership, ensuring that more people receive the care they need. He is not co-dependent or ego-centric; instead, he models a selfless commitment to the flourishing of others.
We end this episode by inviting listeners to reflect on Jesus as the ideal leader—a shepherd who serves rather than dominates, who gives rather than takes, and who helps others step into their God-given potential. What might it mean for us to follow his example as servant-shepherds in our own spheres of influence? Tune in to find out.

Key Passages:
Ezekiel 34:1-6, 15-16, 23-24
Matthew 9:35-38

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

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