Main Point and Overview:
In his next stunning statement, Jesus declared himself to be the “good shepherd!” In the culture of that day, herding sheep was a relatable profession. Sheep produced a lot of resources, and they were considered valuable for many things. Jesus used the image of a shepherd speaking of his compassion for his disciples. A shepherd gets so close to his sheep that he knows their smells, sounds, and struggles. He protects them from impending doom when a wolf or another vicious animal approaches. He is fully aware of their shortcomings, as sheep have been known to literally walk off of a ledge to their own demise. Does that sound like you and I on the brink of making a poor decision that will alter our lives? It sure does. An effective shepherd has a personal relationship with each of his sheep knowing them by name. He protects and guides them. He redirects them when they are moving in the wrong direction. He takes them to places of healthy nourishment. What a metaphor in describing the “good shepherd – Jesus Christ!” We have a Savior who knows what we need when we need it. Jesus put his life on the line for us in the same way that a loving shepherd fights off ravenous animals to protect his sheep. How beautiful it is that even the leader(s) of God’s church under his authority are called under-shepherds (pastors)! There is nothing quite so beautiful as a shepherd loving his sheep, and his sheep following his voice. In a time where a lot of voices are calling for your allegiance, block them all out and exclusively follow the voice of the “good shepherd!” He has your best interests in mind! He has proven himself time and time again!
In his next stunning statement, Jesus declared himself to be the “good shepherd!” In the culture of that day, herding sheep was a relatable profession. Sheep produced a lot of resources, and they were considered valuable for many things. Jesus used the image of a shepherd speaking of his compassion for his disciples. A shepherd gets so close to his sheep that he knows their smells, sounds, and struggles. He protects them from impending doom when a wolf or another vicious animal approaches. He is fully aware of their shortcomings, as sheep have been known to literally walk off of a ledge to their own demise. Does that sound like you and I on the brink of making a poor decision that will alter our lives? It sure does. An effective shepherd has a personal relationship with each of his sheep knowing them by name. He protects and guides them. He redirects them when they are moving in the wrong direction. He takes them to places of healthy nourishment. What a metaphor in describing the “good shepherd – Jesus Christ!” We have a Savior who knows what we need when we need it. Jesus put his life on the line for us in the same way that a loving shepherd fights off ravenous animals to protect his sheep. How beautiful it is that even the leader(s) of God’s church under his authority are called under-shepherds (pastors)! There is nothing quite so beautiful as a shepherd loving his sheep, and his sheep following his voice. In a time where a lot of voices are calling for your allegiance, block them all out and exclusively follow the voice of the “good shepherd!” He has your best interests in mind! He has proven himself time and time again!
Posted in Devotional