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How would the image of Jesus, the Noble Shepherd, have spoken to the Johannine community in their Greco-Roman context?
The image of the Noble Shepherd is anchored in time and geographic space, speaking directly to John’s audiences. A seemingly simple image and concept, the Noble Shepherd actually reveals the complex social hierarchies in Greco-Roman societies. Moreover, the Noble Shepherd embodies the ideals and ethics that defined the Greco-Roman community. Critical to the Noble Shepherd is the “noble death,” a death defined by self-sacrifice and which has its ultimate manifestation in martyrdom (Neyrey, 2007). The death of the Noble Shepherd is voluntary and conscious, and ironically shows how individuals can achieve eternal life through a death that is filled with political meaning.
Moreover, the Noble Shepherd is the epitome of a just and kind leader, the humble counterpart to a King. The Noble Shepherd is more closely tied to the earth and to the masses of humanity than an elite ruler or king ever could be. As Neyrey (2007) points out, the Noble Shepherd “knows” the flock, and assumes responsibility for the flock’s wellbeing—the wellbeing of each and every member of the herd. The Noble...
Moloney (1998) contrasts the nobility of the Noble Shepherd’s humble leadership with the self-serving leadership style of the hireling (p. 304).
How does the image of Noble Shepherd speak to us in our context?
As a servant-leader, the Noble Shepherd provides an apt role model for tumultuous modern times in which multiple value systems and cultures converge on the global stage. The same instructional content of the Noble Shepherd image remains salient for modern audiences. A Noble Shepherd is willing to die for the good of the flock, for he has a higher calling.
Describe the role of shepherd king in the ancient Near East. How did Jesus fulfill the role of shepherd king in the course of his life among us?
One of the ways the Noble Shepherd image was able to take root readily in its historical and social context was the prevalence of the shepherd king in the ancient Near East (Neyrey, 2007). The shepherd king represents the law and order in the universe, which is the manifestation of cosmic order. God provides a dependable, reliable structure to the universe and the shepherd is His servant. Furthermore,…
Shepherd: Pastor, Elder, Overseer The Shepherd The words elder, overseer, and pastor all describe the same authority of leadership within the universal church. However, since different denominations use these terms as though there are separate entities, the three offices are thought to have distinct meanings. Within the ultimate authority of the Bible and the Scripture, the terms elder, overseer, and pastor overlap in meaning. Indeed, Apostles Paul and Peter continuously interchange the
high degree of misinformation I had received from traditional teachings about the church and the beginning of Christianity. Moreover, I was struck by the notion that most other people in the Western world receive this same degree of intentional misinformation, so much so that I have even heard people defend the idea that knowledge of the historical church is irrelevant to modern Christianity. Reading through the class material, I
Jesus' Teachings, Prayer, & Christian Life "He (Jesus) Took the Bread. Giving Thanks Broke it. And gave it to his Disciples, saying, 'This is my Body, which is given to you.'" At Elevation time, during Catholic Mass, the priest establishes a mandate for Christian Living. Historically, at the Last Supper, Christ used bread and wine as a supreme metaphor for the rest of our lives. Jesus was in turmoil. He was
history medical studies have concluded that prayer helps to heal the sick. Many political meetings begin with a prayer and American currency has the words "In God We Trust" imprinted on its face. Around the world God is a powerful deity and one that has historically led entire societies to make decisions based on God's word. While God has been the single deity that leads and guides societies in
Christian Biotechnology: Not a Contradiction in Terms Presented with the idea of "Bioethics" most people in the scientific community today immediately get the impression of repressive, Luddite forces wishing to stifle research and advancement in the name of morality and God. Unfortunately, this stereotype too often holds true. If one looks over the many independent sites on the Internet regarding bioethics, reads popular magazines and publications, or browses library shelves for
Jesus & Muhammad Jesus and Muhammad: Similarities and Differences in the Lives of Two of History's Most Extraordinary Men The power of religion is unmatched by any other philosophy. Religion has been utilized throughout history to unite or divide entire populations, to attain political prestige or financial power, and to subjugate society by often thwarting scientific reasoning. Yet, for many, religion has also provided guidance in times of turmoil and a sense of