“I am the Good Shepherd.
The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 (ESV)
Series: His Name is Jesus
The movie “The Sheep Detectives” is a family film about a flock of sheep who become detectives to solve the murder of their shepherd. The sheep loved their leader, as he was a caring “good shepherd.” He called them by name, understood each one perfectly, provided for all their needs, and showed faithful love toward them. In contrast, the movie introduces another shepherd who is anything but good. He has no love or concern for his sheep, only selfish motives that result in abuse and destruction. No spoiler alert warning necessary: You will have to catch the movie to see how it all turns out.
The Bible identifies Jesus with three prominent shepherd titles: the Good, the Great, and the Chief Shepherd. Ezekiel 34:3-4 tells us how the leaders of God’s people were shepherding His flock. This explanation helps us understand why the Bible includes these descriptive words in Jesus’ title as our Shepherd.
“You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.”
In a Messianic promise, God vows to rescue His people and become their Shepherd Himself. We find this promise in Ezekiel 34:15-16 (ESV):
“I Myself will be the shepherd of My sheep, and I Myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”
Jesus claims this title in John 10:14, stating that He is the Good Shepherd and He knows His own and they know Him. The Greek word for “know” used in this passage is Ginosko. It means more than just knowledge of facts. It represents deep care and an intimate personal relationship. Verse 15 compares it to the relationship between Jesus and His Father.
We are all in need of a shepherd. Like sheep, we lack protection and direction, and are prone to wander if left on our own. Jesus understands our inability to live an abundant life without Him.
Matthew 9:36 (NKJV) reads:
But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
As our Good Shepherd, Jesus guards, guides, provides for, and loves us. Take a moment to meditate on the following Scriptures with me:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27 (ESV)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love.” John 15:9 (ESV)
Being a former shepherd himself, King David understood the care and support a shepherd provides for his sheep. He expressed his deep, personal relationship with the Lord as his Shepherd in Psalm 23. Let’s look at verses 1-4 (ESV) of this beautiful passage:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
With the Lord as our Shepherd, we can experience peace and comfort, even in times of trouble. Just as the shepherd uses the rod and staff to protect and guide his sheep, the Lord surrounds us with His love and guidance. In Psalm 139:5 (ESV) David describes this as “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He laid down His life for His sheep. Do you know (Ginosko) Him as your Good Shepherd? When we follow the voice of the Lord, He leads us in paths of righteousness. He protects us from the bad shepherd, the thief who seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy.
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Linda
Scripture References: John 10:11, 14-15, 27, 15:9, Ezekiel 34:3-4, 15-16; Matthew 9:36; Psalm 23, 139:5; Philippians 4:7,19; Hebrews 13:20-21
