The Good Shepherd

David, the shepherd boy risked his life for his sheep (1Samual 17:34-37). The shepherds in those days expected to be alive while protecting their sheep. They did not intend to lay down their lives for their sheep. So, Jesus is greater than David or any other shepherd because he willingly laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:11).

We can draw three vital lessons from the fourth ‘I AM’ saying of Christ. The first lesson is: Jesus is the good shepherd who laid down his life for us (John 10:11). Jesus lays down his “life” for the sheep. Here, the Greek word for “life” is psyche which refers to the whole person. As a human, Jesus completely gave himself for our sins! Jesus dies “for the sheep.” The word “for” (Greek:hyper) suggests that Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice. That’s how this word is used elsewhere in John’s Gospel (6:51; 10:11, 15; 11:50ff.; 13:37-38; 15:13; 17:19; 18:14). This shepherd does not carry a weapon, but a cross.

The second lesson from the fourth ‘I AM’ saying is: We must have an intimate relationship with the good shepherd (John 10:14-15). When we look at a flock of sheep, all of them may look the same to us. But a shepherd knows his sheep individually. The shepherds even name their sheep just as we name our pets. Similarly, Jesus knows his sheep individually. He knows each one of us individually. Here, Jesus is not talking about mere head knowledge but experiential knowledge. Jesus knows our joys and our fears. He knows our blemishes, sins, and weaknesses. In Matthew 10:29-31, our Lord says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” We are valuable to Christ!

Religion can’t save you, only a living relationship with Christ can save you. Church, we must have an intimate relationship with Christ. We can’t develop strong friendships by communicating once a week, isn’t it? In the same way, in order to develop an intimate relationship with the good shepherd, we must spend time with him. As we develop an intimate relationship with Jesus, we will long to go to his presence, we will enjoy reading his Word and praying, and we will enjoy serving him.

The final lesson from the fourth ‘I AM’ saying is: Every father must be a good shepherd of his family (John 10:11). Jesus is the best role model for leadership. Today, many leaders seek their own benefits. Some leaders use their followers for their own satisfaction and agenda. This is true in politics, workplaces, churches, and even in families. There are only two ways to lead people. One is to focus on the self. And the other way is to focus on others and seek their good.

Family is the basic unit of society and a father is the leader of his family. A father must sacrifice himself for his wife and children. 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; and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15). Today, many fathers don’t have a proper relationship with their children because they hardly spend time with them. Fathers, ask God to help you to be a good leader over your family.

Since Jesus is the good shepherd, we must follow him and have an intimate relationship with him.