The portrait of "Christ as our Shepherd" described in the scriptures is a picture of His care for us.  How familiar, and encouraging are the words of the 23rd Psalm,  "The Lord is my Shepherd,  I shall not want" . . . and John chapter 10,  "I am the Good Shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me."

     To know Christ is to know the completeness of His care.

     As we live in relationship with Him,  His mandate to us (as shown in Christ's staff in this drawing) echoes in our ears.  "Do you love me . . . Tend my lambs."  His love inspires us to ask ourselves . . . "Do others know the care of Christ through me?"  We are called to put away childish,  self-centered ways (as illustrated in the Shepherd boy's staff,  a quote from 1 Cor. 13) and offer ourselves on His behalf . . . keeping watch.

    1 Peter 5:2 - Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,  serving as overseers,  not because you must,  but because you are willing as God desires.