alone, with none on earth to help, he prayed: “Father, if you wish, turn this cup aside from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.” (Luke 22:42) Again he said: “Rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Matt. 10:28) He lived in the fear of Jehovah God, recognizing his responsibility toward the sheep. Think! Are we as much affected, anxious to render a good account of our work as a shepherd caring for the sheep of God? He is the perfect example. Do we desire, above all things, Jehovah’s approval? Are we putting the care of God’s flock above every other consideration today?

Shepherding the Flock of God

1. What instruction does the apostle Peter give to overseers in the congregation?

THE apostle Peter instructed: “Therefore, to the older men among you I give this exhortation, . . . Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly, neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly, neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfadable crown of glory.” (1 Pet. 5:1-4) Let these words sink deep into your minds; go over them time and again until you have made them yours, because this exhortation by the apostle must be obeyed by every shepherd in God’s organization. Otherwise he will be disqualified and disapproved.

2. To whom do the sheep belong? Explain.

² The dedicated brothers are God’s flock. They are his inheritance. A great trust is confided in shepherds who are given the care of God’s flock. These sheep have been redeemed by the precious blood of God’s Lamb, his only-begotten Son; so they are a purchased possession, a treasure owned by Jehovah. The sheep are not the property of the undershepherd, but are placed in his custody by the Chief Shepherd. Therefore they must be cared for as something done to Jehovah himself. All who hold appointment as shepherds (or overseers) over any part of the flock must realize the tremendous responsibility to Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. Remember how Jehovah himself handled his own sheep, feeding, leading, protecting, patiently bearing with them at all times. Also, keep ever before you how our Lord Jesus cared for his Father’s sheep, losing none of them and serving continually in the fear of God, though serving in love and for love.

3. How must God’s sheep be handled by the shepherds?

³ The sheep must be handled by the undershepherds in the same way as the Chief Shepherd handled them. This must be by leading the sheep to pastures where they will be fed spiritually and so grow strong and in time be able to help the weaker ones. They must be encouraged to attend the weekly congregational meetings, as well as the assemblies, and be helped to preach the truth with effective door-to-door and back-call sermons. They must be kept inside the theocratic arrangements of the New World society. Handle them gently with love and great consideration, for sheep quickly scare and run; and with