The Good Shepherd

Read: John 10.1-42

Arguably the most famous self-description of Jesus is found in today’s reading, when Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10.11). Jesus as a shepherd is certainly one of the most prominent images in Christian art. But, what does this mean…and what does this mean for us?

In his book “Jesus’ Claims – Our Promises,” Dr. Maxie Dunnam writes:

“One of the highest priorities of the Good Shepherd is to protect His own. Think about what that means for us. What do you fear most in life? Failure? Old age? Broken relationships? Your child’s future? This list could go on for fear is rampant: the temptation of sexual lust; the tightrope of compromise you’ve been walking; the competition in business that is pressing so hard, driving you in ways you don’t want to go, threatening your integrity. It is good to name our fear, if we can; face it head-on. Equally important is to know that the Good Shepherd will protect us from all that we fear.

Accept the promise of Psalm 23:

‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ – Psalm 23.4-6

“That’s the protection of the Shepherd. He will lay down His life for His sheep…The secret of living under the protection of the Shepherd is our realization that we do not have to depend upon our own strength, our own willpower, our own good intention, our own self-confidence. We become truly confident when we give up confidence in ourselves and place our confidence in the protection of the Good Shepherd who has promised that He will lay down His life for us.”