Monday, April 21, 2008
John 10:14-15 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me -- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father -- and I lay down my life for the sheep."
JESUS, OUR GOOD SHEPHERD
Many Christian churches recently celebrated "Good Shepherd Sunday." We considered how our risen Lord lives to care for and comfort His sheep. John 10 is the great "Good Shepherd" chapter in the Bible, and we're reminded there that Jesus is not just an ordinary shepherd or a hired hand, but He is the *good* Shepherd.
He lays down His life for the sheep. This is something that a typical shepherd would not ordinarily do. If you were watching a flock of sheep, would you sacrifice your life in order to save one of the animals? Not likely. It wouldn't be worth it. But that's exactly what Jesus did for us. Even when we really weren't worth it, He gave up His life to save us from condemnation.
He also guides His sheep, calling them by name, and they hear His voice and follow Him. We know that the voice of our Shepherd is a faithful voice, and we can depend on it always to be true and trustworthy. Even when things seem difficult in our lives, we know that the Shepherd's promises will never fail us.
Jesus is not just any Shepherd, He is a *good* one. In fact, the best. He has a special interest in the lambs He has purchased with His own blood. They are His. No one can snatch them out of His hand.
