Reflecting on John 10:11-15“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)
Jesus is referring to Ezekiel 34, where the prophet warns the bad shepherds.
The contrast between Jesus and the bad shepherds is clear.
The prophet, speaking for God, declares that God Himself will come.
God will be like a good shepherd, and rescue, restore and renew the sheep.
“I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” (Eze 34:11)
Jesus is ‘God Himself’ becoming a human shepherd to help the sheep.
These words are both comforting and challenging.
They are a comfort in how they describe God’s loving care for His sheep.
But they are challenging to all leaders for how they neglect, harm and hinder the sheep.
Parents, teachers, church leaders, government leaders, bosses – all are shepherds.
Jesus shows us how God – the good shepherd – cares for and leads the sheep.
He is not bossy, demanding, controlling, threatening, harsh, cruel, uncaring.
He does not demand our lives, He gives His life for us… at huge cost.
The cross does not represent God demanding payment for forgiveness.
The cross reveals how much God sacrifices for His sheep, how much He cares!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are a good shepherd, one that comforts, convicts and compels me to be like You. Help me to be gentle, to care, and to give myself for the sheep You put in my life. Help me to see all other people as Your sheep, the ones You died for to rescue, restore and renew. Help me to follow You in this!
Lord, help me daily to hear Your voice in all I do and say. Lead me and guide me in Your Way so that others may see You in me by what I do and say.
1
Am I a soldier of the Cross—
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?
In the name, the precious name,
Of Him who died for me,
Through grace I’ll win the promised crown,
Whate’er my cross may be.
2
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?
3
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
4
Since I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.