ICS Daily Devotions
A True Shepherd

1 Pet 5:1-4 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

In this passage, Peter appeals to the elders of the churches in Asia Minor, exhorting them towards Christian leadership. Reminding them of his own witness of Christ’s suffering and promise of glory, he declares, “Be shepherds of God’s flock”. Peter remembered well the calling that Christ gave him (John 21:15-19), and he extends that call to them. Christ’s command to feed His sheep was not just for Peter or the apostles; all subsequent leaders of the church are called to care for and nourish God’s people.

Chief Shepherd is “archipoimen” in Greek, which is derived from “archí” denoting rank or degree and “poimen” which means shepherd. Jesus Christ who died for the sheep is the Great Shepherd who lives for the sheep and the Chief Shepherd who comes for the sheep. As the Chief Shepherd, Christ is in charge of the entire flock and all the elders are under-shepherds whose work will be evaluated and rewarded by Him.

So what are the marks of a true shepherd? In terms of the attitude of leadership, true leaders do their work willingly, not out of a sense of obligation. Second, regarding the purpose of leadership, rather than leading in order to serve one’s own needs, such as striving only for monetary gain, a true leader is “eager to serve”, focusing on the needs of others first. Third, with respect to the manner of leadership, a true leader does not “lord it over” others, seeking power and authority; rather, he offers a humble “example to the flock”.

Finally, a true shepherd of God’s flock will always remember that there is a Chief Shepherd to whom they are accountable. Ultimately, it is Christ’s church, and Christ is the true Shepherd of His people. Any leader of Christ’s church is only an under-shepherd of that one great “Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”.

Peter encourages us all to take up our responsibility willingly and to lead by example, and when Jesus returns, we shall receive our reward—the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Sermon Series: Crown of Glory