The Good Shepherd

Read

John 10:14-16 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Think

There is a difference between someone who owns a job and someone who owns their whole heart. Think about a babysitter who is just counting the minutes until the parents get home, compared to a mom or dad who would do absolutely anything for their kid. Same house. Totally different love.

Jesus makes that same point here. He does not just call himself a shepherd. He calls himself the good shepherd. And then he says something huge about what makes him good. He says he would lay down his life for the sheep.

Stop and think about how much that is. A regular worker watching sheep might run away if a wolf showed up. Who wants to get hurt over some sheep that are not even yours? But the good shepherd does not run. He stands between the danger and the sheep he loves. He would rather be hurt than let them be hurt.

That is Jesus. He is not a shepherd who barely knows us and does the smallest amount he can. He knows us the way the Father knows him, and that is deep, deep knowing. And he loved us so much that he gave up his own life on the cross so we could be forgiven and be close to God forever.

You know what that means for you? When you hear God’s voice, you are hearing the voice of someone who already proved how much he loves you. He is not going to lead you somewhere to trick you or hurt you. Everything he says comes from a heart that would do anything for you.

So when you start learning to hear God, remember who is talking. It is the good shepherd. The one who knows your name and loves you more than you can measure.

Apply

Thank the Good Shepherd – Sometime today, say a quick thank-you to Jesus for being the good shepherd who loves you enough to give up everything for you. You can whisper it in the car or on the way to class.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for being the good shepherd. Thank you for loving me so much that you gave up your life for me. Help me trust your voice, because I know it comes from someone who really loves me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.