Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

A song of thanks.

¹⁷ This is what the Lord God says: “And you, my flock, I will judge between one sheep and another. I will judge between the male sheep and the male goats. ¹⁸ You can eat the grass growing on the good land. So why do you also crush the grass that other sheep want to eat? You can drink plenty of clear water. So why do you also stir the water that other sheep want to drink? ¹⁹ My flock must eat the grass you crushed with your feet, and they must drink the water you stir with your feet!”

²⁰ So the Lord God says to them: “I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the thin sheep! ²¹ You push with your side and shoulder. You knock down all the weak sheep with your horns. You push until you have forced them away, ²² so I will save my flock. They will not be caught by wild animals anymore. I will judge between one sheep and another. ²³ Then I will put one shepherd over them, my servant David. He will feed them and be their shepherd.

The Flock of God

5 Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I am also an elder. I myself have seen Christ’s sufferings. And I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to ² take care of the group of people you are responsible for. They are God’s flock.^[a] Watch over that flock because you want to, not because you are forced to do it. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are happy to serve, not because you want money. ³ Don’t be like a ruler over those you are responsible for. But be good examples to them. ⁴ Then when Christ the Ruling Shepherd comes, you will get a crown—one that will be glorious and never lose its beauty.

⁵ Young people, I have something to say to you too. You should accept the authority of the elders. You should all have a humble attitude in dealing with each other.