04/09/2023
The Good Shepherd
John 10:1 “I, Jesus, am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
For me this verse brings some very vivid pictures to mind. I was raised with sheep, goats, cows and other fussy critters. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have sacrificed my money, time, sleep, and poured out my heart in prayer for these insignificant animals. My heart aches when they are sick or hurt. I spend sleepless nights to make sure they are going to be OK during labor. They need my money and knowledge to help them each and every day. But I must admit that I am not willing to lay down my life for them. I acknowledge they do consume a lot of my time, but to lay down my life!!! No most likely not.
Have you ever thought why we are referred to as sheep in the Bible? Stinky, stupid animals that follow each other around, even to the point of their own destruction. That is a sheep for sure- constantly finding something to try that most likely will kill them. Ever wonder why we have really good fences to keep animals in an area where they will not kill themselves. Maybe our fence is the Bible!!! If we read it and apply what God has shared with us, then we normally are not trying to get to the other side of the fence and potentially kill ourselves.
Jesus said ,“He is the way, the Truth and the Life. And NO ONE comes to the Father (God) except through me (Jesus).” John 14:6
Jesus knew it would take laying down His life for us. He hinted at it many times while on this earth, and those with him could not comprehend what He was saying. Not until He died. “I, Jesus, am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” And He did.
Take the time this week to read the biblical account of the end of Christ’s life. Read how He laid down His life for you and me, so that we could be held in His arms- protected-safe-warm-and loved, at every minute of our earthly life.
Hint this is not the end of the story; we will get to that another time.