I am the good shepherd

Our Lord calls himself the “good” shepherd, distinguishing himself from a shepherd who doesn’t care for his sheep (v. 12). By contrast, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father” (vv. 14–15a).

Then comes the proof: “I lay down my life for the sheep” (v. 15b).

Scripture consistently repeats this assertion, that Jesus died for us to pay our debt and purchase our salvation. The question is, why did he have to do so? Why couldn’t God have forgiven our sins without calling his Son to die on the cross?

The answer is that sin separates us from the holy God, who is the only source of life (Isaiah 59:2; John 14:6). Sin leads to death. It stands to reason, therefore, that the only one who could pay the debt sinners owe is someone who has never sinned.

If I have a thousand dollars in my bank account and owe that amount to creditors, I cannot use that money to pay your debt as well as mine. Since Jesus was the only sinless person who has ever lived (Hebrews 4:15), he alone could pay our debt. As the chorus says, “He paid a debt he did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay.

What does this show about God’s love for us?

How should we respond?

One: God’s love is inspiring.

The Bible says, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). We are to love God, not so he will love us, but because he already does. We worship and pray and serve out of gratitude, not guilt.

Two: God’s love is inclusive.

Scripture adds: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother” (v. 21). When we see the depth of God’s love for us, we are called to love others in the same way, to “pay it forward.” Jesus died for you; if you’re good enough for him, you’re good enough for me.

Three: God’s love is unchanging.

Nothing we can do will lose or gain us more of God’s love. No matter what happens in your life, God still loves you.

Reflect on that beautiful, life-changing truth: God personally loves you, no matter what you do or have done.

Rest in that truth, and praise him for it!