The Good Shepherd, by Del Parson
Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47: Lesson 139
Ezekiel 34
“He Shall Be Their Shepherd”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
We all feel lost, broken, sick, or needy at times. Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to “bind up that which was broken” and “strengthen that which was sick” (Ezekiel 34:16). In Ezekiel 34, the prophet Ezekiel likens how a good shepherd cares for his flock to how Jesus Christ cares for Heavenly Father’s children. This lesson can help you follow the Savior’s example to seek out and care for others.
Study the Scriptures
When hikers found Chris the sheep in a remote portion of Australia, his life was in danger. Shepherds typically shear off 2 to 5 kilograms (5 to 10 pounds) of wool each shearing, but Chris hadn’t been shorn by a shepherd in years. This neglect left him with a wool coat so thick that it was threatening his life. When rescuers sheared the sheep, they removed a record 41 kilograms (90.5 pounds) of wool from his body.
The story sparked a conversation about humans’ responsibility to care for animals such as Chris the sheep. Years earlier, the Lord had a similar conversation with Ezekiel.
In Ezekiel 34, the Lord compared the leaders of Israel to shepherds who were not taking care of their flocks.
Read Ezekiel 34:1–6. Choose a color to mark phrases the Lord used to describe the Israelite leaders. To help the leaders of Israel better care for their flocks, Jesus Christ then described how He cares for His flock.
Now, read Ezekiel 34:11–16. Choose a different color and mark phrases that describe what Jesus Christ does for Heavenly Father’s children.
The Lord Is My Shepherd, by Simon Dewey
Titles of Christ. Jesus Christ has many titles in the scriptures. Each one reflects one of His roles in God’s plan and teaches us about His divine attributes. In John 10:11, 14, Jesus describes Himself as “the Good Shepherd.”
Compare what you marked about good shepherds and bad shepherds. Make a note next to one of the verses from Ezekiel 34:11–16 with your thoughts on at least one of the following:
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What did you notice when comparing the sets of verses?
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Why is the “Good Shepherd” an appropriate title for Jesus Christ?
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How you would finish the phrase “As the Good Shepherd, the Savior …”?
As you study today, seek the help of the Holy Ghost to learn how you can follow the example of Jesus Christ to care for Heavenly Father’s children.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
Why is it important to be a good shepherd like Jesus Christ?
Using what you found in Ezekiel 34:11–16, make a note next to one or more passages you marked of ways you can care for others as the Savior did. For example, next to verse 11 (“I … will both search my sheep, and seek them out”), you could write, “Visit with someone I have not seen in a while.”
Include in your note your response to two or more of the following:
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What can make it difficult to do these things?
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How can the Savior help you overcome these difficulties?
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How has the Savior blessed you or your family by sending someone to seek out and care for you?
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How has the Savior used you or your family to seek out and care for others?
Option B
What can I do to minister to the Savior’s sheep?
Sister Jean B. Bingham, then Relief Society General President, taught:
Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to “count” as serving our neighbors. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves. What did the Savior do? Through His supernal gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection … “none other has had so profound an influence [on] all who have lived and who will yet live upon the earth” (“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”). But He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave. He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel. Those “simple” acts of service and love provide a template for our ministering today. (“Ministering as the Savior Does,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 104)
Take a moment to think of people in your life who may be like the sheep (lost, scattered, broken, weak) in Ezekiel 34. These might be people in your class or quorum, your family and friends, or people at school. Seek the Holy Ghost’s help in considering who might need your help.
From the principles taught or in response to another idea that inspires you, make a plan for how you can follow the Savior’s example to seek out and care for these individuals. To remind yourself of your plan, you could write it down on a piece of paper or set it as a reminder.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you follow the Savior’s example to seek out and care for others.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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A few of the practical things you can do to be like Jesus Christ.
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Your plan to follow the Savior’s example.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?