neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

 9. Why must a Christian shepherd ‘not lord it over those who are God’s inheritance’?

⁹ Peter also said that elders were to shepherd Jehovah’s people “neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock.” A loving shepherd is careful that he does not abuse his authority by having an air of superiority and lording it over the sheep. A proud spirit is unchristian and must be avoided by all those desiring to please Jehovah. Proverbs 21:4 says: “Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart, the lamp of the wicked ones, are sin.” And Jesus told his followers: “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. This is not the way among you; but whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:25-27) Indeed, elders must remember that those making up the flock are God’s sheep and must not be dealt with in a harsh manner.

10. (a) What were some shepherds of the people doing in Ezekiel’s day? (b) How are loyal overseers fine examples to the flock?

¹⁰ To the self-serving shepherds of Ezekiel’s day, Jehovah said: “The sickened ones you have not strengthened, and the ailing one you have not healed, and the broken one you have not bandaged, and the dispersed one you have not brought back, and the lost one you have not sought to find, but with harshness you have had them in subjection, even with tyranny.” God further said that the harsh shepherds had ‘kept shoving all the sickened ones until these had been scattered.’ (Ezekiel 34:4, 20, 21) But it is not that way with the loving shepherds of “the flock of God” today. They do not flaunt their authority and are careful not to stumble any of the sheep. (Compare Mark 9:42.) Rather, such elders provide loving help and encouragement. Moreover, they prayerfully rely on Jehovah and work hard to be fine examples “in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Consequently, the sheep are contented and feel secure, knowing that they are being cared for by loving, God-fearing shepherds.