牧人

Caretakers of sheep, a role rich with theological symbolism throughout Scripture. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David were all shepherds before their callings. God himself is portrayed as a shepherd: 'The Lord is my shepherd' (Psalm 23:1). Ezekiel 34 contrasts Israel's failed shepherds with God's promise to shepherd his people. Jesus declared, 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep' (John 10:11). Fittingly, shepherds were the first to hear of Christ's birth (Luke 2:8-20). Peter urged church leaders to 'shepherd the flock of God' (1 Peter 5:2).