Teaching | Understanding 1 Peter: Shepherds of the Flock (1 Peter 5)

What is a pastor? According to the New Testament he is first and foremost a shepherd. But before we conjure up tranquil visions of rolling green pastures we must understand that the job of a shepherd required hard work. Shepherds were required not only to feed their sheep, but also guide them away from predators. The Kings of the OT were referred to as shepherds entrusted with the care and protection of God’s people. Jesus speaks of himself as a good shepherd. In 1 Peter 5, Peter exhorts the leaders of the church to serve as shepherds for God’s people. This is a personal exhortation for Peter. Toward the end of the gospel of John we see Peter, fresh off his betrayal of Christ, swimming ashore to meet the resurrected Jesus. This launches one of the most famous dialogues in the New Testament. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him, one for each of Peter’s denials, and then commissions Peter to feed his sheep. Peter experiences the love of the good shepherd and this in turn motivates him to call all under-shepherds to feed the flock of Christ. This is Understanding 1 Peter.