Share Light: In the Darkness a Light ShinesMfano

SHARE LIGHT: Jesus Reveals Himself to Us

Day Five

Jesus Is the Gate and the Good Shepherd

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16; Psalm 23

Today’s Focus: John 10:9, 11

“I am the gate. Those who come in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture. …I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep.”

At the time of Ezekiel’s prophecies, Israel is in exile in Babylon. It is a devastating predicament. The main cause of this tragedy, according to God speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, are the misdeeds of the shepherds (kings, prophets, and priests) that had been leading Israel. They had not exercised their godly responsibility to lead the nation into righteousness. Instead they had sought power through wickedness and had led the people astray. (Read Ezekiel 34 to get the full weight of God’s judgment on them.)

Yet, as we said yesterday, it was not God’s intent to leave his people unattended. His desire was to provide a good shepherd, a shepherd after his own heart, a shepherd that would be willing to lay down his life for the sheep. This shepherd would be no ordinary shepherd. 

So, Jesus is now on the scene and one day he explains who he is and how he compares to those who had shepherded and were shepherding Israel. He said: 

“I am telling you the truth: I am the gate for the sheep. All others who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Those who come in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness. I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep” (John 10:7-11 GNT).

Ezekiel’s prophecy of a shepherd who would look for the lost and bring back those who had wandered off, bandage those who were hurt, and heal the sick was fulfilled in Jesus. He is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

Reflection

Take some time to read Psalm 23. The psalmist describes the Lord as his shepherd. In what ways is Jesus that kind of shepherd to you? Have you experienced the shepherd’s care that the prophet promises in Ezekiel 34:16? Who are the lost, hurt, sick, and needy around you? In your community? List the names of at least three people, or groups of people who fall in this category. Say a prayer for this group today. Now take the extra step of letting them know you did by phone, text, email, or video chat.