The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

One thing I’ve loved about researching this blog series is taking these names and digging past the familiar to see where they lead. Jesus as the Good Shepherd is as familiar as it gets.

What does “The Good Shepherd” make you think of? Fluffy, white clouds dot the sky, and fluffy, white sheep graze in a meadow, never straying near danger. Birds and butterflies flit among the wildflowers. The temperature is a perfect 70 degrees, and there’s a slight breeze. The shepherd dozes in the sunshine. Edvard Grieg’s Morning plays in the background.

Think again.

First off, sheep are stupid. We covered that in this post. They get into all sorts of trouble. They’re dirty and smelly. Birds and butterflies? How about flies buzzing around piles of poop? When Jesus says he’s the good shepherd, he’s not talking about a privileged assignment. Remember: if He’s the shepherd, we’re the sheep.

Shepherds are on duty 24/7. They don’t get to call in when the weather’s bad. They have to go after the sheep who wander off. They’re the only defense when danger from thieves or wild animals looms.

Samuel tells us how committed good shepherds are.

But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a sheep from the flock, I went out after it and attacked it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth; and when it rose up against me, I grabbed it by its mane and struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.” – 1 Samuel 17:34-36

Just as David grappled with wild animals, Jesus willingly laid down His life for us.

Jesus said His sheep know His voice.

When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. – John 10:4

Do you know Jesus’ voice? How does He speak to you, and what does He say? What does it mean to follow Him? Why does it sometimes seem that followers of the Shepherd are heading in opposite directions? Or that they’re wandering around aimlessly?

We learn His voice by listening to Him – spending time in His Word. What a privilege we have that He’s shared His wisdom with us.

Jesus seeks the lost.

What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? – Matthew 18:12

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to seek and to save the lost.

The humble, dedicated, good shepherd. It’s no wonder Jesus chose this title for himself.

This year long series is inspired by Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks