The work of a shepherd (Pastor) in the midst of trials: (Chap. 5):
The entire book of 1-Peter speaks of believers suffering. Peter comes to the concluding chapter of this epistle with the responsibilities of shepherd in the midst of suffering.
The qualities and responsibilities of a good shepherd: (5:1-11)
Times of persecution demand that God’s people have adequate spiritual leadership. If judgment is to begin at God’s house (1 Pet. 4:17), then the house which is not in order will fall apart! Leaders who run away in times of difficulty are only are hirelings and not true shepherds (Jn. 10:12-14). Peter was concerned that the leadership in the local churches be at its best. When the fiery trial would come, the believers in the assemblies would look to their elders for encouragement and direction. Peter did not introduce himself in this letter as an apostle or a great spiritual leader, but simply as another elder. However, he did mention the fact that he had personally witnessed Christ’s sufferings (Matt. 26:36 ff). Further Peter’s introduces himself as a witness points the suffering of Christ in Gethsemane and Calvary, the transfiguration on the Mount (Matt.17:1-5). The responsibilities of the shepherd are:
- Feed the flock: (5:2): Serve the congregation not lording over it. Be clothed with humility points to the Upper Room where Jesus put on the towel and washed the disciples’ feet (Jn.13:1-17). A faithful shepherd not only protected his flock, but he also led them from pasture to pasture so that they might be adequately fed. The shepherd always went before the flock and searched out the land so that there would be nothing there to harm his flock. He would check for snakes, pits, poisonous plants, and dangerous animals. How important it is for pastors to lead their people into the green pastures of the Word of God so that they might feed themselves and grow. Sometimes it was necessary for a shepherd to seek out a wayward sheep and give it personal attention. Some pastors today are interested only in the crowds; they have no time for individuals. Jesus preached to great multitudes, but He took time to chat with Nicodemus (Jn. 3), the woman at the well (Jn. 4), and others who had spiritual needs. Paul ministered to people personally in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:11) and loved them dearly. If a sheep is too rebellious, the shepherd may have to discipline him in some way. If a sheep has a special need, the shepherd might carry it in his arms, next to his heart. At the close of each day, the faithful shepherd would examine each sheep to see if it needed special attention. He would anoint the bruises with healing oil, and remove the briars from the wool. A good shepherd would know each of his sheep by name and would understand the special traits of each one.
- Lead the flock: (5:3): It is not an easy thing to be a faithful shepherd of God’s sheep! It is a task that never ends and that demands the supernatural power of God if it is to be done correctly. Sometimes God permits trials to come to a church so that the people will be forced to grow and discover new truths and new opportunities. The main concern for any pastor is grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and share what the Lord has given to the church. Although Peter was inconsistent in the earlier days and also during the time when he tried to get away from gentiles and Paul rebuked him (Gal.2:11-21), but he was obedient to Jesus and lead the Church from the front. Pastors must be careful how they minister to God’s sheep, because one day they will have to give an account of their ministry. And the sheep will also one day give an account of how they have obeyed their spiritual leaders (Heb.13:17), so both shepherds and sheep have a great responsibility to each other.
- Receive the reward: (5:4): Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who died for the sheep (Jn. 10:11). As the Chief Shepherd, He alone can assess a man’s ministry and give him the proper reward. Some who appear to be first may end up last when the Lord examines each man’s ministry. Peter brought in once again the promise of the Lord’s return. His coming is an encouragement in suffering (1 Pet. 1:7-8) and a motivation for faithful service. If a pastor ministers to please himself, or to please people, he will have a disappointing and difficult ministry. “It must be hard to keep all these people happy. But the faithful pastor’s crown is a crown of glory, a perfect reward for an inheritance that will never fade away (1 Peter 1:4).