Preaching and Reading the Old Testament Lessons
The temptation of the preacher in using these passages from Ezekiel is to lapse into a sentimental discussion of the gentleness and love of Christ, the good Shepherd. We must remember, however, that the term "shepherd" in the Bible and the ancient Near East, most often refers not to a kindly herdsman, but to a king or to a leader of the people. These texts are therefore eminently appropriate to the Sunday celebrating the kingship of our Lord.