(Source from The Word Among Us)

A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

This familiar passage about the good shepherd calls to mind soothing images from children’s books that portray Jesus as a gentle shepherd carrying a lamb on his shoulders. But Jesus paints a much more powerful picture. His good shepherd is a protector; he watches over and guards his sheep. He doesn’t sit by passively when predators approach; he acts swiftly to keep his flock safe. He doesn’t flee or abandon them; he stands his ground and defends them (John 10:12). He even “lays down his life for the sheep” (10:11).

We know, of course, that Jesus is talking about himself. He is a shepherd unlike the “shepherds” of Israel. In the previous chapter of John’s Gospel, the Jewish leaders responded to Jesus’ miraculous healing by casting out the formerly blind man from the synagogue (9:34). Jesus offered healing and revelation to God’s people, yet these shepherds both rejected him themselves and prevented their “sheep” from receiving the abundant life that Jesus came to give them (10:10). In contrast, Jesus sought out the healed man, comforted him, and led him to faith (9:35-38). This is what a good shepherd does. 

Jesus is not just “the” good shepherd; he is your good shepherd! Unlike a hired hand who works only for pay, Jesus is moved by a deep love for you. His love is so fierce that he freely, gladly offered his life on the cross for his sheep. For us. For you. 

Today, rejoice that your good shepherd is guarding and protecting you. He is leading you securely along the perilous paths of life. He is defending you against the wolves and thieves that seek to “steal and slaughter and destroy” you (John 10:10). He is giving you new life that he won by laying down his life and taking it up again in his resurrection (10:18). He will never forsake you. 

“Thank you, Jesus, for being my strong good shepherd!”