Together - Daily DevotionalSample

I Am the Good Shepherd

Reading: John 10:11-18

Key Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” v 10

We continue yesterday’s reading to encompass the thought that Jesus is not just the Gate but the Good Shepherd. Throughout Scripture we read of shepherds such as Abraham, David and even God Himself in the world famous Psalm 23. Yet passages such as Ezekiel 34 highlight the attitudes and actions of good and bad shepherds. Bad shepherds are not interested in looking after the sheep but mistreat them, ignore those which are injured or lost, put their own needs first and flee when faced with danger.

By contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He truly cares for the sheep by searching for the lost, healing the sick, finding good pasture and protecting them from danger and death; even to the sacrifice of His own life. Visitors to the Middle East have been surprised to witness how sheep can distinguish the voice and call of their shepherd from all other voices and noises. It is only possible when an intimate bond is formed between the shepherd and his own sheep. This is the type of intimate bond we have with our Jesus, our Good Shepherd who knows us all by name.

Prayer: I praise you Jesus, my Good Shepherd who knows me intimately and calls me by name