The Good Shepherd

As a mom of two children, I can tell you almost anything about them. I can tell you their birth weights, who slept through the night at nine weeks, and who waited one whole year. I can tell you who likes to blare music, and who prefers headphones. I can also tell you social behaviors, their strengths, and when each of them needs extra guidance.

And, if ever asked which one would I sacrifice, I can answer that too—myself. I think most parents would answer the same. We sacrifice our time, energy, money, and our entire being. We would lay down our lives to protect our children.

That’s why, when Jesus says in John 10, that he is the Good Shepherd, I can feel the weight of that name. In the Old Testament, sheep commonly served as currency—bought, sold, or presented as a sacrifice. But, when our Shepherd created us, he only had love in mind. He provides for his flock, loves, and protects us, and in turn, we get to love him. Rather than offering us as a sacrifice, the Shepherd became the sacrifice for his sheep.

The intimate nature of how Jesus loves us means that he knows our tendencies toward sin, and yet, still chose to be our sacrifice. As Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd in front of the Pharisees, all of them would have known the role and relationship of a shepherd to his sheep. Shepherds protect and provide for their flock, and the sheep are dependent solely on the shepherd. Although Jesus offered that kind of relationship, only some of the Pharisees would join him in the sheepfold.

For those who believe in him, we know his voice as that of our protector and provider, and we’re on the lookout for him. As he enters through the gate to care for his flock, we get to rest in his presence as he calls each of us by name.

Reflect

As you reflect on today’s devotional, listen to the song, “Shepherd”while you answer this question:

How have you seen Jesus as a protector in your own life?