I Am The Good Shepherd

I Am the Good Shepherd

In John 10, Jesus began to talk about His followers by referring to them as sheep. When I was young, I used to really cherish that picture. In my mind I imagined a scene where the Good Shepherd was holding a little lamb in His arms, loving it and keeping it safe from harm.

It wasn’t until later in life that I learned a lot more about sheep. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. When Jesus called us sheep ... well, it’s not a very flattering description.

Sheep are stubborn, dirty, easily misled, in need of a great amount of care and are easy prey for predators because they have virtually no ability to defend themselves.

There’s also the fact that sheep are not considered the brightest and best that the animal kingdom has to offer. I once had a rancher tell me that he was moving his sheep down a fenced path and there was a box in the way. The first sheep jumped over the box and the next sheep followed. By the time he moved the box, five or six sheep had jumped over it.

He then stood there and watched as every sheep in that row continued to jump where the box used to be. There was no box but those sheep were certain that they should be jumping in that spot! Why? Because everyone else was doing it!

So, what’s the point? Why am I making such a big deal about Jesus calling us sheep? Here’s why—because He called us HIS sheep. He claimed us for His own and then He said this:

John 10:11

“I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

Have you ever wondered why Jesus would die for rebellious sinners like us? I cannot count how many times I have been moved to tears by the thought. Why would anyone do that for me? I am nothing special.

I am stubborn, easily misled, dirty, I need care, and I prove over and over that I am not really that bright because I do the same dumb things again and again. Paul felt the same way when he said:

Romans 7:24-25

“Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!“

He did it because He loves His sheep. That’s what makes Him such a Good Shepherd. I, then, am proud to be called one of His sheep. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for caring for someone like me. Thank you for being my Good Shepherd.