The Lamb Who Would Be Shepherd

Farm Animals World believes that

“farm animals are not just ordinary creatures but rather a reflection of the beauty of nature itself. Our website aims to assist individuals in gaining further knowledge about these remarkable creatures. We aim to educate you about livestock, poultry, and everything related to farming. Our team is composed of dedicated researchers and writers who deliver exceptional content for your farm.”

It is not surprising, therefore, to see them wax eloquently about sheep and shepherds. In a way, so does the book of Revelation. Throughout the book Jesus is referred to 33 times as the Lamb, the Lamb who was slain, the Lamb who is worshiped, the Lamb who is worthy, the Lamb who sits on the throne, the Lamb who opens the seals to pour out judgment and wrath on earth’s inhabitants, the Lamb in whose blood the saved of earth wash their garments white and who keeps a book of their names, the Lamb who sings the song of Moses to God, the Lamb who is a mighty warrior, the Lamb who celebrates a wedding feast with his bride, the Lamb who with the Father is the temple and light of the heavenly Jerusalem come down to earth, and the Lamb who would be shepherd.

It seems contrary to our senses to think of a lamb being a shepherd of the sheep, but this is how Revelation describes him:

For the Lamb at the middle of the throne will shepherd them and guide them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)

Farm Animals World says, “Dogs and horses can play similar roles to shepherds in guiding and protecting sheep,” but they do not know of sheep ever shepherding sheep. Yet here is the Lamb of God doing just that. The statement is in the future tense, “the Lamb…will shepherd them,” as it describes a great body of believers who die in the great tribulation but will stand resurrected before the throne of the Mighty King and His Son in the New Jerusalem. The Lamb leads his sheep to live-giving springs of water and comforts them.

Farm Animals World describes the “critical roles a shepherd plays”:

1. Shepherd’s Leadership: The shepherd directs the flock, ensuring they stay on the right path.
2. Flock Management: They ensure the sheep’s health and safety by watching their flock closely.
3. Shepherd’s Companionship: The shepherd comforts the sheep, ensuring they never feel alone.
4. Sheep Guidance: They guide the sheep to green pastures and freshwater sources, which are crucial for survival.

Jesus, the Lamb of God, in prospect “slain before the foundation of the world,” (Revelation 13:8) and in history slain in 33AD on a cross, has become the shepherd of the sheep. Why a lamb? The Shepherd became a lamb that he might take up our plight, guilty criminals before the Lord, worthy of punishment, needing a substitute to die in our place. Who more worthy to be our shepherd? Who more trustworthy to keep us on the right path, to ensure our safety and health, to keep us from being alone, and to lead us to green pastures and sources of fresh water.

We might borrow from the children’s nursery rhyme:

Mary had a little lamb, it’s fleece was stained with blood, and everywhere that Mary went the lamb was shepherd good. Mary found the springs of life, her tears were wiped away. The lamb who made this happen was the life, the truth, the way.