The Flock of Christ (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-4

In these verses, Peter uses the image of shepherd and sheep to help believers understand their identity in God. The key idea is that we are God’s flock and the Chief Shepherd is Jesus. Understanding who we are comes firstly from understanding how we relate to him. Within that flock, we are also to look out for and care for one another, and godly leadership in the church should be gentle and humble, patterned after the shepherding of Jesus.

Jesus the Chief Shepherd (v4): In verse 4, Peter speaks about the Chief Shepherd who will appear, referring to Jesus. Earlier in the passage he has spoken of the church as ‘God’s Flock’. This picks up on an image that is used throughout Scripture to illustrate how God relates to his people. Notable examples include Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Luke 15 and John 10. At the heart of the idea is God’s tender care for his people. As shepherd, he will rescue and care for his sheep, bring them to good pasture and bind up the injured (Ezek. 34:11-16). This includes walking with us through the hard circumstances of life (Psalm 23:4) and bringing us back when we have gone astray (Luke 15:1-7). As sheep of his flock we recognise the voice of Jesus as our true shepherd (John 10:4-5). Jesus is the good shepherd who lays his life down for the sheep (John 10:11). This is significant because it shows us where to look when we struggle and are in need. We do not need to put our trust in the world around us or our own self-sufficiency, but can lean on the Lord who takes care of us and provides.

Shepherding Each Other (v1-3): These verses are primarily spoken to elders in the church, but the principles apply to anyone who has spiritual leadership or care for others, and they teach us how we can be shepherd one another under Jesus. The way of Jesus is a model, and Christian leaders should lead with the same gentleness and humility that he does. In a context where there are plenty of examples of leaders using power in ways that are harmful or abusive, these verses show a better way. Leadership should be (a) willing – it is not something that should be placed as an obligation, but a heart-felt commitment; (b) servant-hearted – the point is not what the leader gets out of it but how they can give of themselves to serve those who are under their care; and (c) gentle – where the leader doesn’t lord it over the congregation and flaunt their position but is gentle and leads through a Christ-like example. This profile of godly shepherding helps those who are leaders understand how to fulfil their role, but also gives a model for all of us about how we can serve one another, and outlines what we should look for in those we might recognise as leaders amongst us.

Heavenly Reward (v1,4): Along with the instructions to shepherd the people, Peter speaks of the reward that God promises to those shepherds. In verse 1 he mentions sharing in the coming glory, and in verse 4 he says they will receive a crown of glory that will never fade. In other words, the rewards of leadership are not in this world. Leaders in God’s people do not do it for applause or recognition, nor for wealth or material gains. When leaders do not grasp this, it can distort how they lead and be harmful for those under their care. On the other hand, the faithful service of caring for God’s people is not ignored or vain. God sees everything, and he honours those who have served him with a share in his heavenly glory. A true motive to lead is the desire to hear him say on that final day ‘well done, good and faithful servant’.

Potential Applications:

• There will be some in the room who are leaders in God’s people, or others who aspire to leadership in the future. You could spend time praying for these people for God’s grace to be upon them as they carry out their ministry.
• Some may have bad experiences of leadership that does not follow the pattern spoken of here. Be aware of such people as you speak, and preach with compassion. You may wish to acknowledge the hurt that some are carrying and pray for them to find healing.
• Jesus is the perfect example of a Good Shepherd. Encourage people to look to him with their needs and weaknesses. Perhaps you might take communion and remember the good shepherd laying down his life for the sheep.