(Jeremiah 23:1-6)

I. The shepherds (Jeremiah 23:1-4)

A. The evil shepherds – destroy, scatter, drive them away, do not attend to the sheep of God’s pasture
B. God’s shepherds will feed His flock, comfort them, provide for them
1. God’s shepherds in the church are called elders (Acts 14:23), pastors (Ephesians 4:11), bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9), overseers (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2)
2. The elders play a vital role in equipping the saints (Ephesians 4:11-13)

II. A Messianic prophecy (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

A. A descendant of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Matthew 1:6; Luke 3:31)
B. A Branch of righteousness (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12)
C. A King (1 Timothy 6:15)
D. Executor of righteous judgment (John 12:48)
E. The salvation of His people—the church (Ephesians 5:23)
F. His name: The LORD Our Righteousness

III. We might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21)

A. In Christ (Galatians 3:27)
B. We become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)
C. We are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
D. We become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 1:7; Philippians 3:8-11)