In addition to the names of God there are several terms used to describe the character and work of God, such as: shepherd, friend, prophet, mediator, intercessor, daysman, bishop, sun, husband, branch, root, vine, door, physician, resurrection, truth, life, etc.

In this essay we will consider the term shepherd as referring to God. There are several duties and works that a shepherd performs for the sheep of his flock. The shepherd must watch over the flock, feed and water the flock, nurse the sick of the flock, shelter the flock, protect the flock, deliver the flock from danger and lead the flock. Jesus has a shepherd/flock relationship with his elect people. His elect people are called the sheep of his pasture. Jesus refers to himself as the shepherd of his sheep in John 10:2: "But he that entereth by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." Jesus refers to himself in John 10:11 and 10:14 as the "good shepherd:"

1. John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
2. John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine." While there are many in this world that do good things and could be called good, yet Jesus is good in a way that none other is good. Consider the rich young ruler who ran up to Jesus and asked, "Good master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" To which Jesus answered, "Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is God." Perfection is not gained through the keeping of the law as we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Thus Jesus (God) alone is perfectly good. The tenth chapter of John tells us of several good works of the good shepherd which he did for the sheep (his elect people):

1. He came that they might have life and have it more abundantly. (v.10)
2. He gave his life for the sheep. (v. 11, 15, 17, 18) 3. He gave them safety and pasture. (v. 9)
4. He protects them from the thieves, robbers, strangers and wolves. (v. 1, 5, 10, 12)
5. He calleth his own sheep by name. (v. 3)
6. He leads the sheep. (v. 3, 4)
7. He made his elect among both the Jews and Gentiles one fold. (v.16)
8. He gives eternal life to his sheep. (v. 28)
9. His sheep are preserved in him. (v. 28, 29)
10. He personally knows his sheep and they know him. (v. 4, 5, 14, 27)

In addition to being the good shepherd of the sheep, Jesus is called the great shepherd in Heb. 13:20: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant..." It is quite comforting to the child of God to know that Jesus is both the "good" shepherd and the "great" shepherd. The word, good, speaks of course of Jesus goodness, whereas the word, great, speaks of his ability. For instance, if a person had a problem needing deliverance, there might be a good man who would do all that he could to try to help, but he might not be able to. Whereas there might be a great man who had everything necessary to deliver the one in need but had no care or concern towards him. Jesus not only loves his people, but he, being God, has the power and ability to deliver them from their sins and give them eternal life and preserve them unto glory. Thus Jesus is the ‘great shepherd" of the sheep.

Next, Jesus is called "the Shepherd" of the sheep in 1 Pet. 2:25, "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." Now there are numerous shepherds, especially under shepherds, but Jesus is unique when it came to the salvation of our souls. We could not save ourselves from our sins, nor could any other man save us. Only Jesus was able to save us from our sins, give us eternal life, and preserve us unto glory. Thus he is "the" Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.

Furthermore, Jesus is called the Chief Shepherd in 1 Pet. 5:4: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Jesus is called the chief Shepherd because he is over the under shepherds. The chief Shepherd gives the marching orders, instructions and commandments to the under shepherds. They are to answer to him. The primary responsibilities of the under shepherds are to feed the flock of God (1 Pet. 5:2; John 21:15, 16, 17: Acts 20:28), to watch over the little flocks (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2), be examples to the flocks (1 Pet. 5:3), disciple the people of God (Matt. 28:19, 20; Eph. 4:12), and to build up the church of God (Eph. 4:12). In doing this the under shepherds are to follow the teachings, leadership, and command of the chief Shepherd. Finally, what makes all the above so precious to us is that "The Lord is my shepherd." He is the personal shepherd of each of his sheep.

When we each personally realize that Jesus is "my shepherd" it brings great comfort, peace, and heart felt assurance to each of us. May God bless each of us to better understand that he is our Shepherd.   

Elder Vernon Johnson