I AM the Good Shepherd (Thursday)
Week 4 - Thursday
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."
In John 10, Christ reveals himself as the good shepherd. Lets look at how this claim emphasizes the depth of His love and the security we have in Him.
Jesus Sacrifices for His Sheep
A true shepherd defends his flock in danger. In John 10:12-13, Jesus describes how a hired hand might see danger and flee, leaving the flock vulnerable. Christ, however, has done the opposite by dying in our place that we might live. He laid it down willingly and obediently out of His great love for us. Our shepherd gave up His very life in order to give us ours.
Jesus Leads and Protects His Sheep
Sheep without a shepherd are wandering and exposed to danger. A true shepherd guides, provides, and protects. Our true shepherd does the same. He welcomes us into His flock and offers us fellowship, security, and a purpose. He leads us in paths of righteousness and restores our souls. In Him we will never be snatched out of His hand, and we will never perish. He offers us eternal, abundant life as one of His sheep.
Jesus Knows His Sheep
A shepherd spends all his time tending to his flock and he knows each sheep. Christ has demonstrated His great love on the cross and wants a personal relationship with us. In John 10:14, Jesus declares that He knows His sheep. He seeks us out, calls us by name, and cares for our needs. In Him we are fully known and fully loved.
Jesus Calls the Flock to Follow
Christ knows His sheep, they know Him, and they follow Him (John 10: 27). We are called to know the voice of the good shepherd and follow Him alone. In a world that is filled with false shepherds, we must stand firm in the voice of the true shepherd. It is His voice that leads to eternal life.
Jesus Sacrifices for His Sheep
A true shepherd defends his flock in danger. In John 10:12-13, Jesus describes how a hired hand might see danger and flee, leaving the flock vulnerable. Christ, however, has done the opposite by dying in our place that we might live. He laid it down willingly and obediently out of His great love for us. Our shepherd gave up His very life in order to give us ours.
Jesus Leads and Protects His Sheep
Sheep without a shepherd are wandering and exposed to danger. A true shepherd guides, provides, and protects. Our true shepherd does the same. He welcomes us into His flock and offers us fellowship, security, and a purpose. He leads us in paths of righteousness and restores our souls. In Him we will never be snatched out of His hand, and we will never perish. He offers us eternal, abundant life as one of His sheep.
Jesus Knows His Sheep
A shepherd spends all his time tending to his flock and he knows each sheep. Christ has demonstrated His great love on the cross and wants a personal relationship with us. In John 10:14, Jesus declares that He knows His sheep. He seeks us out, calls us by name, and cares for our needs. In Him we are fully known and fully loved.
Jesus Calls the Flock to Follow
Christ knows His sheep, they know Him, and they follow Him (John 10: 27). We are called to know the voice of the good shepherd and follow Him alone. In a world that is filled with false shepherds, we must stand firm in the voice of the true shepherd. It is His voice that leads to eternal life.
Reflection and Prayer
What areas of your life are you being tempted to follow voices other than the voice of the good shepherd?
How does Christ’s description of Himself as the sacrificial shepherd change the way you live on a daily basis?
Lord, thank you for shepherding me and laying down your life so that I may live in victory with you. You know me and love me fully. Help me to recognize Your voice, trust Your guidance, and follow You wholeheartedly. Teach me to rest in the security that you offer me as a part of your flock. Amen
How does Christ’s description of Himself as the sacrificial shepherd change the way you live on a daily basis?
Lord, thank you for shepherding me and laying down your life so that I may live in victory with you. You know me and love me fully. Help me to recognize Your voice, trust Your guidance, and follow You wholeheartedly. Teach me to rest in the security that you offer me as a part of your flock. Amen
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