Post by foxjj on Sept 20, 2024 20:48:56 GMT
I Am The Good Shepherd
In John Chapter ten, Jesus used the metaphor of shepherd and sheep to teach about the people of God and their Chief Shepherd, Jesus Himself:
“11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” - John 10:11-18 (ESV)
Yahweh was often called The Shepherd of Israel in Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 40:11: “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
From the Psalms we have this prayer:
“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up your might
and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved!” - Psalm 80:1-3.
Palestine was known for its sheep herding because the land was ideal for grazing. The sacrificial system of the Temple in Jerusalem required large numbers of sheep therefore, when speaking to the people Jesus would often use shepherding and sheep in His teachings.
In verse 11 of John Chapter 10, Jesus declared that He was the Good Shepherd when He said; “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This was a very radical, to some ears; blasphemy. Jesus was claiming to have equality with Yahweh, for which the elders endeavored to prosecute Him. After a three year ministry Jesus was condemned to Calvary's cross where He laid down His life for His sheep. After three days came the miracle of His resurrection, thereafter, true believers hear and follow only His voice - their Shepherd.
One of the most comforting psalms describing the love of The Shepherd is Psalm 23. It was written by the one time shepherd boy David, who wrote concerning his experience of Yahweh’s love and protection. As believers in Jesus as our Shepherd, we read it as an encouragement of His love and protection in our lives:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.” - Psalm 23:1-3
It is significant that shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem were the first to welcome the Christ Child at His humble arrival in our world. These same shepherds were the first to carry the message of Messiah’s birth. However, Jesus also came as Savior for the rest of humanity, as He said in verse 16 “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
Have you heard The Good Shepherd calling you to follow Him? He has laid down His life granting Redemption to all who answer His call.
Today, let us each answer the Shepherd’s call.
John Joseph Fox.