The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 LSB

Of the seven “I am” sayings of Jesus scattered throughout the Gospel of John, perhaps the most personal of these sayings is Jesus as the good shepherd. It’s no secret that the Bible often compares us to sheep. Like sheep, we are prone to wander and leave God. We go our own way and rebel against our Shepherd any opportunity we get.

It’s interesting that over 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote about a “suffering servant” who would bear our grief, carry our sorrow, be pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, be oppressed, afflicted, and led like a lamb to slaughter.

Does this sound familiar?

If so, take a moment to reflect on why Jesus died on the cross. Why would He endure such immense suffering? Why would He who was without sin, become the object of God’s wrath on the cross? Jesus answers this question even before He gets to the cross. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus loves His sheep so much, He did not even spare His own life. He became the lamb led to slaughter so that He would lose none of His own sheep.

If today you hear your Shepherd’s voice, respond in your heart and mind. Turn back to your Shepherd. When you pray, pray that Jesus would shepherd your family and protect you from all kinds of harm, whether physical or spiritual. When you trust in Him, He promises to be with you always.