“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Acts 20:25-28

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MAY 14, 2025

This was Paul’s last opportunity to share his heart with the elders from Ephesus. The apostle could honestly say that he had faithfully sought to make disciples, having proclaimed “the whole will of God” at every opportunity.

Paul contended that the elders had been selected by the Holy Spirit to keep watch over the Ephesian church. They were to be shepherds, constantly alert to the safety of their flock. How important is the Church to God? To say that we were bought with His own blood means that He gave His life for us—in other words, the Church is precious beyond measure.

What are you willing to die for? We have no greater priority than what we are willing to die for. Historically, men and women have died for their country, their families, and even for specific principles to which they have held fast.

When somebody willingly dies for something significant, we describe their death as an ultimate sacrifice or that they paid the ultimate price. Jesus paid the ultimate price upon the cross to pay our debt of sin and provide us the opportunity to be restored into relationship with the Father.

The church is composed of those who cling to Jesus as their Savior from sin and follow Him as Lord of their lives. Elders are chosen by the Holy Spirit to shepherd the people within the church. Shepherds are responsible for the welfare of their sheep, likewise elders are to care for the people of their flock. Jesus considered these men and women, boys and girls worthy of laying down His life, therefore elders care for sheep that are exceedingly precious to God.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Why is the role of a shepherd such a good analogy for the role of an elder?
  • Why is sheep such a good description for the people of the church?
  •  How can we collaborate with the elders of our church as they carry out this significant responsibility to be shepherds of the flock?

 

Church Reading Plan: Numbers 23; Psalm 64-65