Apr. 12, 2026

Ezekiel 34

The Tale of Two Cities

1. City #1: Jerusalem circa 590 BC

A. Bad Shepherds

Jeremiah 23:1-4

B. Who Was Ezekiel Talking about?

The Kings: Jehoiakim and Zedekiah

The Priests and the Elders

Ezekiel 8:7-18

2. The Promised Good Shepherd: Jesus (vs. 11-16, 23, 24)

A. Jesus Has Come

Jeremiah 23:5-6

John 10:14-18

Luke 19:10

B. A Warning to the Flock (vs. 17-22)

v.17-19, 21

Matthew 25:32-34

C. Promise to the People of the Land and to All Who Will Live in God’s Peace (vs. 25-31)

Ezekiel 34:26

3. City #2: New Castle, PA circa 2026 AD.

“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.”
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, Book I, Chapter 3

Hebrews 13:17

Jeremiah 23:4

A. Shepherds Today

1 Peter 5:1-5

B. As the Church Grows…

Exodus 18:14-23

Showers of Blessing “There shall be showers of blessing, If we but trust and obey; There shall be seasons refreshing, If we let God have His way.” - Daniel Whittle

Reflection:

Is it easy or difficult to see yourself as a follower of Jesus, as a “sheep”? What about this is comforting and what is disturbing?

Has God ever called you into that shepherding role in your work, church, or family?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Jeremiah 23:1-4

What is the charge against the shepherds? Why did you think God was so strict with these leaders?

Tuesday:

Read: Ezekiel 8:7-18

What kind of ugly things were going on in the Temple? Why would this upset God so much? Think about this as the Holy Spirit counts you as the Temple, He dwells in today? What does He find in you?

Wednesday: 

Read: John 10:14-18

What do we find out about Jesus here? What comfort can you take from this passage today?

Thursday:

Read: Matthew 25:32-34

What do we find out about Jesus’ shepherding duties from this passage? What is your response to this?

Friday:

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-5

Who is Peter addressing here? What is his instruction to each group and what is your part according to this instruction?

Saturday:

Read: Exodus 18:14-23

Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. What was the plan that he put together for Moses to care for God’s people? How can you see this being a help to those under God’s care?