The Good Shepherd
A reflection on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows his sheep, lays down his life for them, and gathers them into one flock.
The Good Shepherd
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd. This image points to his guidance, care, sacrifice, and trustworthy presence. H
12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.
13 The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.
17 The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.
18 No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
Known by the Shepherd
Jesus knows his sheep, and his sheep know his voice. In a world full of competing voices, familiarity with the Shepherd helps us recognize his direction.
A Shepherd Who Stays
Unlike a hired hand who runs when danger comes, the Good Shepherd remains with the sheep. He lays down his life for them, showing a love that can be trusted.
One Flock
The Shepherd gathers his sheep into one flock. His fold is larger than we may expect, united under one Shepherd.
Learning His Voice
Daily time in the Word helps tune our ears to the Shepherd's voice. As we grow in familiarity with him, we can trust his guidance more deeply.
