3 Nephi 16; 20–21

(1.) SEE THE SHEEP AND THE SHEPHERD: Near my home in Jerusalem, a shepherd leads SHEEP out every morning and returns in the late afternoon. Usually there are about a dozen lead sheep, older ones from last year’s flock with bells around their necks. It is common to hear the boy talk to his sheep. He calls them when it’s time to move on, and that’s when the lead sheep immediately respond, ringing their bells as they run toward their shepherd. The ringing noise alerts the other sheep, and then like a wave they begin to follow the others.

(2.) ANCIENT TEMPLE PRACTICE: The shepherd’s model is similar to an ancient biblical temple practice. For example, in the inner courtyard of the temple the chief priest would light a fire and burn incense to signal his readiness for a sacrifice. That would alert the twelve priests in the next courtyard to wash and ready themselves. Their signal to the congregation was the ringing of bells. The multitudes would then gather to follow the priests to participate in the ritual.

(3.) SPEAK TO THE SHEEP, THEY LISTEN! Additionally, I have noticed how the shepherds in Israel develop a language for their sheep. Shepherds meet on the hillsides, stop, chat and typically make a small fire and prepare a hot drink. In the meantime their sheep begin to mingle. You could imagine the ownership confusion that might follow. Yet, when one shepherd departs, he simply begins talking and making his "sounds," his sheep follow him. "And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you . . ." (Alma 5:60)

(4.) A SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL: Leading the gathering of Israel is the tribe of Joseph. Anciently, he was sold as a slave, yet he became a servant that saved the people of Egypt (Gentiles) and his family (Israelites). In modern times, the keys of the gathering and leading of Israel were given to Joseph Smith a descendant of ancient Joseph. His role is summarized in the parable in Doctrine and Covenants 110:44-62. After the destruction of the twelve olive trees and the scattering of the watchmen, the lord . . . ". . . said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry . . ." (D&C 101:55)

(5.) ASSISTANT SHEPHERDS: The verse can be viewed as an instruction of "gathering" activity by the young, the middle aged and the strength of older ones. In modern times, it includes Elders, Sisters, middle aged and older couples, (every member a missionary). The exception is that some, for the time being, are told not to do mission work – like in Israel. In the end, the Lord would gather those that we have not been able to find. ". . . that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land." (D&C 101:58)

(6.) CAN AN ENTIRE CITY BE A TEMPLE? The Book of Mormon prophesies about Jerusalem, both old and new. Each will become a "Temple City." "For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead." (D&C 124:36

(7.) THE LAMB OF GOD WILL LIVE IN HIS CITIES: They will be His earthly homes. He will lead us (gather us) home, to His Father, in our heavenly home.