The Good Shepherd knows his sheep, cares for them, protects them, and lays down his life for them.
He is not a hired hand who runs away when danger comes, but a faithful and loving leader who guides his flock to green pastures and still waters.
Let’s explore what it means to belong to the Good Shepherd and how we can follow his voice in our lives.
Key Takeaway from The Good Shepherd
- The Good Shepherd: Despite life’s complexities, Christ, as the Good Shepherd, provides steadfast guidance and unceasing care.
Anchor Bible Verse of the Day
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
John 10:14-15 (NKJV)
In these verses, Jesus explains the personal relationship between Him and believers – He knows them by name, and they know Him by His voice.
He also reveals that He has a perfect and eternal relationship with His Father, who sent Him to be the Savior of the world.
He demonstrates his love for his sheep by laying down his life for them, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. He is not only the Good Shepherd, but also the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Key Explanations
- The good shepherd: A contrast to the false shepherds or leaders who exploited and neglected God’s people (Ezekiel 34:1-10). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a shepherd after his own heart who will feed his flock and care for them (Jeremiah 23:1-4).
- I lay down My life for the sheep: An act of love that shows Jesus’ obedience to the Father and compassion for the sinners. He gave up his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45), as a propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10), and as a substitution for our punishment (2 Corinthians 5:21). He did this so that we can have eternal life through faith in him (John 3:16).
Reflection on The Good Shepherd
There’s no doubt that Jesus is the good shepherd who loves us, His sheep, with everlasting love. He knows us intimately, and He calls us by name. He guides us in the paths of righteousness, and He restores our souls.
He defends us from the enemy, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He gave his life for us on the cross, so that we may have eternal life.
The question is:
- Do we listen to His voice, and follow Him wherever He leads?
- Do we trust Him with our lives, and obey His commands?
- Do we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength?
- Do we share His love with others, and invite them to join His flock?
The Bible tells us that there is another shepherd who is not good. He is called the hireling, or the hired hand. He does not own the sheep, nor does he care for them.
He flees when he sees the wolf coming, leaving the sheep scattered and devoured. He works only for money, and not for love. (John 10:12-13)
Currently, we live in a world where many hirelings pretend to be shepherds. They may look, talk, and act like shepherds, but they are not.
They are false teachers, false prophets, and false leaders, who deceive people with lies and false promises.
They exploit people for their gain and abandon them when trouble comes. They do not have the heart of the good shepherd.
Beloved, do not be misled. The Bible gives us some clues:
- The good shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know him. The hireling does not know his sheep, nor do they know him. (John 10:14-15)
- The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. The hireling runs away when he sees danger. (John 10:11-13)
- The good shepherd feeds his sheep with the word of God. The hireling feeds them with human wisdom and worldly philosophies. (John 6:35; Colossians 2:8)
- The good shepherd leads his sheep by example. The hireling lords it over them with authority and power. (John 13:15; Matthew 20:25-28)
- The good shepherd seeks to save the lost sheep. The hireling seeks to fleece the flock. (Luke 15:4-7; 2 Peter 2:3)
As we reflect on the good shepherd today, let us ask ourselves: Are we truly His sheep? Do we hear his voice, and follow Him? Do we love Him more than anything else? Do we share His love with others?
See, the image of a shepherd knowing each sheep individually carries deep significance. It echoes God’s knowledge of us – our joys, struggles, and vulnerabilities, which should also reflect on how we too care for those put under our care by God. Do you love them or abuse them?
Call to Action
Today, Let us beware of those who are hirelings in disguise, who seek to deceive us or harm us. Let us test everything by the word of God, and hold fast to what is true.
Call to Action
Today, let’s intentionally embrace the guidance of the Good Shepherd. As we face the uncertainties of life, may we follow Him closely, trusting His knowledge of us and His sacrificial love.
Prayer Points for Today
- Bold Trust in the Shepherd’s Knowledge: Heavenly Father, grant us bold trust in the Good Shepherd’s intimate knowledge of our lives.
- Gratitude for the Sacrificial Love: Lord, fill our hearts with gratitude for the sacrificial love demonstrated by the Good Shepherd on the cross.
- Follow with Unwavering Faith: Father, help us to follow the Good Shepherd with unwavering faith, knowing that His guidance leads to eternal safety.
Let’s Pray: Our Father
Our Father, we thank You for being our Good Shepherd. In times of uncertainty, help us to follow Your guidance with unwavering faith, knowing that Your knowledge of us and Your sacrificial love lead us to eternal safety.
In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
My prayer for you today: I pray that you experience the comforting presence of the Good Shepherd in every aspect of your life.
