Proper 29
Psalm 100:1-5, Ezekiel 34:1-31, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46
Sermon Aid
by Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 is a description of God as a good shepherd. Psalm 100 is a song of praise.

Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 - "God as the Good Shepherd"
Setting.  There are two central images in  Ezekiel 34, shepherds and sheep. The image of a shepherd is used in this chapter to refer to kings and the power of monarchs to lead the people of Israel, their sheep. The imagery of this chapter, therefore, relates well to the Reign of Christ Sunday.

Structure.  An overview of  Ezekiel 34  is necessary for interpreting the specific verses of the lectionary. The larger text can be outlined in the following manner.

I. Judgment Against Past Shepherds (vv. 1-10)
   A. Indictment (vv. 1-6)
   B. Verdict (vv. 7-10)

II. God as Shepherd (vv. 11-24)
   A. Divine search and care for…

Abingdon Press Nashville, PREACHING THE REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY, by Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe