I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 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. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. John 10:11-18
For all that Jesus is in His power and authority, He still cares enough about each and every one of His people to be a good shepherd.
*We can sometimes assume God is so powerful that He can’t possibly be that caring.
Isaiah 40:10-11
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
ONCE AGAIN, JESUS IS PROMISING HIMSELF TO BE THE FULFILLMENT OF ALL THAT THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AND WAITING FOR. AS THE SON OF DAVID, HE IS THE ULTIMATE EMBODIMENT OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP.
1. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He perfectly embodies Who and what a shepherd is.
Tasks of a Near Eastern Shepherd:
This is what those to whom Jesus was talking understood a shepherd to be.
a. A shepherd will watch for the enemies who are trying to attack the sheep.
b. A shepherd will defend the sheep from any and all attackers.
c. A shepherd will heal the wounded and sick sheep.
d. A shepherd will find and save lost or trapped sheep.
e. A shepherd will love the sheep, sharing in their lives and earning their trust.
2. Jesus took His role a step further.
The death of Jesus on the cross is proof of His great love for His sheep.
The death of Jesus made a way for the sheepfold to increase.
The enemy of the sheep that is constantly coming to steal, kill and destroy was defeated forever by the death of Jesus on the cross.
Jesus won the war so we don’t have to fret over the battles.
3. Jesus knows His sheep and desires His sheep know Him.
The death of Jesus on the cross paved the way for intimacy and relationship with Him.
God’s knowledge of and love for His children involves personal affection, faithfulness, and constant providential care.
Those who are truly of the fold are in an ongoing relationship with their shepherd that involves both hearing and following Him.
4. Jesus is more than just good.
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4
