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I. HOW THIS TITLE OF SHEPHERD AGREES TO JESUS CHRIST. Our blessed Lord is spoken of in Scripture under several characters — as a Physician, a Ruler, the Captain of our Salvation, etc., and in this and many other places, as a Shepherd: a metaphor full of comfort. A shepherd is called to the office and trust; and this may eminently be said of Christ. God the Father appointed Him to this office, and fitted Him for it (Ezekiel 34:23). And upon this account God calls Him "My Shepherd" (Zechariah 13:7). A good shepherd gives an account of his sheep; and so will Christ (Hebrews 2:13).

II. SOME OF THE CHARACTERS THAT BELONG TO HIM AS A SHEPHERD.

1. He is the Shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25).

2. He is that great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20). Great in respect of the dignity of His person, and great in His accomplishments for His office.

3. He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He is the very best Shepherd —

(1)  As being most wise and discerning. He is acquainted with the state of His whole flock, as their different circumstances require.

(2)  As being most faithful and constant.

(3)  In respect of His love for His flock (John 10:11).

III. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN HIS FEEDING HIS FLOCK.

1. As being the Shepherd of His people's souls, the food wherewith He feeds is spiritual. Even our common supplies for the body are from Him.

2. Of this spiritual food He makes use of great variety.

(1)  He feeds His flock with His word and ordinances.

(2)  By the influences of His Spirit.

(3)  With Himself, with His own flesh and blood, as received by faith.

(4)  By the various dispensations of His providence towards them.

(5)  When necessary, by afflictions.

(6)  After Christ has fed His flock for a time here, He will eternally feed them with higher entertainments in heaven.

3. The food wherewith Christ feeds His flock is precious, even the privileges and promises of the Gospel. How costly, how precious, are such things as these!

4. Christ feeds His people with pleasant food.

5. The provision Christ affords His flock is plentiful (Song of Solomon 5:1).

6. The food with which Christ feeds His flock nourishes the soul to eternal life (John 6:50).

IV. IN WHAT RESPECT MAY CHRIST BE SAID TO FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD?

1. As He feeds them with judgment and discretion, with due regard to their age and growth.

2. Aa He doth this with the greatest care and compassion, as those weak creatures He hath paid the greatest price for, and stands in the nearest relation to.

3. As He feeds them effectually, so as to make them to thrive.

4. As He will go on to feed them, till they are nourished up to a fitness for the glory He designs to bring them to.

(D. Wilcox.)

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KJV: He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

WEB: He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.