“Shepherds Who Will Really Shepherd”

1-2. (a) How do elders help us? (b) How has Jehovah made sure that we receive spiritual support? (See also the box “Shepherds in Bible Times.”)

CAN you recall a time in your life when a loving elder helped you? Perhaps he gave you Scriptural advice when you were heading in a wrong direction. He may have comforted you after a loved one died. Or maybe he reminded you of how much Jehovah loves you, even though you felt unworthy at the time. A sister from Spain named Maríaa says: “Shepherding is proof that the elders really care about me. Their visits show that they really want to get to know me and to understand how best to help me.”

² Jehovah knows that we need the support of the elders. That is why he promised to raise up “shepherds who will really shepherd.” He had in mind men “after [his] own heart,” men who would care for people with knowledge and insight. (Jer. 3:15; 23:4) God fulfilled that promise in the greatest way possible when he sent Jesus to the earth. Later, Jesus arranged for appointed elders to shepherd the Christian congregation. (Eph. 4:7, 8, 11) In this article, we will first consider the example Jesus set as a shepherd. Next, we will identify some skills and qualities that will help elders become more effective shepherds. Finally, we will discuss the rewards that a spiritual shepherd receives when he genuinely cares for the flock.

LEARNING FROM “THE FINE SHEPHERD”

3. Why could Jesus call himself “the fine shepherd”? (John 10:11, 14)

³ Jesus described himself as “the fine shepherd.” (Read John 10:11, 14.) Why? He loved his disciples so much that he surrendered “his life in behalf of the sheep.” Jesus said: “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” He understood the individual needs of his disciples, and he offered to refresh them. (Matt. 11:28, 29) As a result, they came to know and trust him.

4-5. (a) Why did Martha and Mary turn to Jesus for help? (b) What efforts did Jesus make in order to help them?

⁴ In John chapter 11, the qualities of the fine shepherd are seen at work during Jesus’ visit to Martha and her sister, Mary, in Bethany. These women needed his support because their brother, Lazarus, had died just a few days earlier. Jesus loved that close-knit family. (John 11:5) He often stayed in their home; he knew them well, and they were close friends. Though Martha and Mary were disappointed that Jesus had not prevented Lazarus’ death, they surely trusted that Jesus would comfort them in their time of grief. When elders today forge a close friendship with their brothers and sisters, they are in a good position to offer spiritual help.

⁵ It would have taken Jesus about two days to travel to Bethany. And there was an element of danger. The people of that region had tried to put him to death. (John 11:8) But a good spiritual shepherd is willing to make sacrifices to help his brothers and sisters who are in need.

6. How did Jesus comfort Martha?

⁶ When Jesus arrived near Bethany, Lazarus had been dead four days. Given the circumstances, Martha could not help but think about what could have been done to save her brother. (John 11:21) So Jesus kindly helped her to look, not to the past, but to the future. Jesus assured her: “Your brother will rise.” (John 11:23) Jesus then listened to Martha’s heartfelt words, after which he once more strengthened her faith by reminding her that he has God-given power over death. (John 11:24, 25) Elders today encourage others by listening to them patiently and by building their confidence in God’s promises.

7. How did Jesus react to the grief of Lazarus’ relatives and friends? (See also picture.)

⁷ Before resurrecting Lazarus, Jesus observed the scene near the tomb. Lazarus’ sister Mary and others were weeping. How did their anguish affect Jesus? “He groaned within himself and became troubled.” Then he “gave way to tears.” (John 11:33, 35) What a heartwarming example of Jesus’ empathy! He felt their pain in his heart. That touched people. (John 11:36) Yes, a good shepherd can empathize with his brothers and sisters.​—Rom. 12:15.

8. How did Jesus make sure that the work of shepherding would continue after his return to heaven?

⁸ Jesus set the example in being a loving spiritual shepherd and encouraged his followers to do the same. After his resurrection, he entrusted the apostle Peter and, by extension, the other apostles with the task of spearheading this work. Jesus emphasized that his “lambs,” his “little sheep,” would need shepherding.b (John 21:15-17) Peter never forgot that encouragement. Years later, he entreated his fellow elders to continue to care for those little sheep, who were precious to Jesus.​—1 Pet. 5:1, 2.

DEVELOP THE NEEDED SKILLS AND QUALITIES

9. Why can it be said that shepherds have a weighty responsibility? (Acts 20:28)

⁹ The apostle Paul urged the elders in Ephesus to take their shepherding work very seriously. (Read Acts 20:28.) Overseers today have been entrusted with the same sacred work. An elder named David puts it this way: “It is as if Jesus were saying to me personally: ‘Do you see those little sheep? They are mine, but I want you to help me take care of them.’” That is a huge responsibility. At times, an elder may doubt his ability to give comfort to the bereaved, strength to the weak, or encouragement to the depressed. (1 Thess. 5:14) Clearly, Jehovah is the one who supplies elders with the strength to carry out their assignment. (Phil. 4:13) But each elder can develop skills and qualities that will help him to be a more effective shepherd. Let us consider a few of these skills and qualities.

10. What should an elder do to become an effective shepherd, and why? (Proverbs 27:23 and footnote)

¹⁰ Getting to know the sheep. (Read Proverbs 27:23 and footnote.) One translation renders this verse: “Learn all you can about your sheep.”c No doubt, we respect the privacy of our brothers and sisters. (1 Pet. 4:15) Still, as David, quoted earlier, puts it, “Only when we understand the challenges that the brothers and sisters are facing can we use the Bible effectively to help them.”

11. How do brothers and sisters benefit when an elder is an empathetic listener?

¹¹ Listening empathetically. Shepherds can become attuned to their brothers’ and sisters’ needs by listening. (Jas. 1:19) Consider the experience of a sister named Catherine, whose husband abandoned her and her children. She says: “The elders asked me thoughtful questions and listened to every word I said. In doing so, they made me feel precious, valued, and loved. I sensed that they really wanted to understand what I was going through, almost as though they were trying to feel my pain. That conversation reminded me that Jehovah had not abandoned us.”

12. How can elders use the Bible effectively during a shepherding visit?

¹² Using scriptures that fit the needs of the sheep. (Titus 1:7, 9) Once an elder knows what challenges his brothers and sisters are facing, he can address their concerns.d An elder named Andrew explains: “I try to point my brothers and sisters to Bible principles and accounts that fit their specific needs. I often consult the publication Scriptures for Christian Living to help me.” An experienced elder named Elihú uses the same publication. He says: “I frequently go to the sections ‘Anxiety,’ ‘Disappointment,’ and ‘Discouragement’ to prepare for my shepherding calls. These are some of the feelings our brothers and sisters struggle with every day, and I’ve found encouraging verses that they can relate to.” Catherine, mentioned in the preceding paragraph, recalls: “An elder shared Isaiah 26:3 with me. My daughters and I read those words over and over again. That comforting scripture helped us get through the toughest days.”

13. What makes a shepherd approachable? (See also pictures and the box “All of You Are Brothers.”)

¹³ Being approachable. Even though he was very busy, Jesus always made time for people, including children. (Luke 18:15, 16) The lesson? A good shepherd makes himself available to everyone, young and old. Even brief conversations before and after the meetings can build trust and friendship. “It is easier for me to approach an elder who regularly asks me how I am and who has already offered me support,” explains a sister named Lauren. “Then when something serious comes up, I feel comfortable approaching him because I know that he cares and that he is there for me.”

14. What do you learn from Juan’s experience?

¹⁴ Showing love. Jesus said that his disciples would be identified by their love. (John 13:35) And nothing identifies a true shepherd more than his love for Jehovah’s sheep. Juan, who himself now serves as an elder, benefited from the support of a loving shepherd. “When I began studying the Bible, I had my ups and downs, both emotionally and spiritually,” he admits. “But the love of one elder was instrumental in my continuing to study and attend meetings. His love helped me to avoid the terrible mistake of leaving Jehovah. Thanks to that elder’s patience and love, I came to see how Jehovah really sees me, and that encouraged me never to give up.”

WHY IS SHEPHERDING SO REWARDING?

15. What makes the shepherding work rewarding? (Acts 20:31, 35)

¹⁵ The work of a shepherd is not always easy. Paul admitted that his love and concern for Jehovah’s sheep caused him anxiety and even sleepless nights. (2 Cor. 11:27, 28) Yet, when he recalled his efforts to shepherd the congregation, he echoed the words of the fine shepherd, Jesus Christ, who said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Read Acts 20:31, 35.) Javier, who has been an elder for over 30 years, feels similarly. He says: “Shepherding my brothers and sisters has deepened my own faith and love for Jehovah. My visits with them remind me that Jehovah is interested in all who love and serve him wholeheartedly.”

16. Why did Paul compare his shepherding work to the role of a mother?

¹⁶ In many ways, a good shepherd reflects the unselfish love of a caring mother. Paul made that comparison when he remembered his work among the brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. (1 Thess. 2:7, 8) A mother sacrifices a lot for her baby, but she also gets a lot of joy. Just as a mother takes pride in her child’s progress, Paul took pride in the Thessalonians’ progress. (2 Thess. 1:3, 4) Today, self-sacrificing elders derive much satisfaction from helping others and from observing their progress. Miguel, the elder who helped Juan, mentioned earlier, explains: “It was a great pleasure to help Juan develop Christian qualities. And now, I am so proud to see that he himself has become an elder.”

17. What do you appreciate about the shepherds Jehovah has raised up?

¹⁷ How grateful we are that Jehovah has raised up faithful shepherds in these last days! We observe them working hard to imitate the example of Jesus, the fine shepherd. And we appreciate their efforts to develop the qualities and skills they need to advise, strengthen, and comfort us. They are precious to us and to Jehovah!​—1 Thess. 5:12, 13.