Artists have portrayed the beauty and grander of the shepherd for generations. Often the image of a man with a shepherd’s robe, shepherds hook, and sheep surrounding him has guided our understanding of the important role of the shepherd. When we read Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd…” we find solace, peace, and confidence in a God who is with us, guiding us along the way. We witness the repeated reference in the Old Testament of God being our shepherd and then Jesus picks up on this imagery in John 10:11 when he says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
The image Jesus used to express a characteristic of the good shepherd seeks to expand our understanding from a shepherd who is walking along with the sheep without any cares in the world to the truth of the ultimate role of the shepherd to be willing to give their own life to save the lives of the sheep. A good shepherd is aware of his surroundings and will do everything in his power to protect the sheep from predators seeking to steal, kill, and devour the sheep. A poor shepherd is not willing to sacrifice to protect the sheep; and forsakes them in times of danger. He may even treat them with malice. Jesus proclaims He is the good shepherd, who is willing to sacrifice for His sheep, which we know is exactly what He will do.
Jesus, also in proclaiming His role as the good shepherd, emphasizes the special relationship between the shepherd and the sheep when Jesus states, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15). To know and be known gives us a sense of community, purpose, and peace as we live in relationship. The reality of our good shepherd knowing us and desiring to make Himself known to us is a core principle of the Gospel. Even though I may not always live into the fullness of God’s design and desire for my life and may falter and sin, He still desires to be my shepherd, sacrificing His life for me.
In Psalm 139, the Psalmist writes:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
As we continue in our Lenten Adventure, we are reminded of Jesus being our good shepherd. We have confidence in a shepherd who wants to know us and wants to be known by us. He lays down his life for us because of His love for us and seeks to give us the fullness of life (John 10:10). How are you experiencing the good shepherd in your life today? How are you knowing Him more as you recognize He knows you and loves you?
Prayer: Thank you for being my good shepherd. Thank you for sacrificing your life for me so I can experience the fullness of life. Thank you for knowing me and making yourself known to me. Give me a clearer sense of your presence walking with me throughout each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.