Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. 
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11

This is another one of the “I am” sayings in the gospel according to John.  We remember that “I Am” was the way that God revealed God’s self to Moses in the burning bush story in Exodus.   Throughout the gospel, Jesus will use the words “I am” as a way to emphasize that he is the Son of God and the Word made flesh.  (In chapter 8 Jesus had said, “I am the light of the world.”  Here, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.”

This image of a good shepherd was used in the Old Testament to describe kings who demonstrated good care of those they ruled.  Sometimes, though, the kings of Israel looked to their own interests and their own gain, often at the expense of the people.  The prophet Ezekiel has harsh words to say about the previous people who were supposed to shepherd God’s people.

So what is it about Jesus that makes him the good shepherd?  The ultimate reason is what Jesus says in the next sentence:  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  But of course, it isn’t just what Jesus says.  It is what Jesus does.  Jesus lays down his life for the world.  He gives his life by his death on the cross, so that all who believe in him might have eternal life.  Laying down his life gives evidence to how far he will go to demonstrate his love.  Later in the gospel, Jesus will say that there is no greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).

Jesus is clear about what his mission is.  He will give his all in order to make God’s love known.  He will give his life.  The Jesus that is portrayed in the gospel of John is decisively bold - he gives his life; no one takes it from him.  He lays it down - and he has the power to take it up again.  By his death and resurrection, Jesus reveals the power of God and that power is caring for us, guiding us, helping us, and shepherding us.  For this, I am thankful.  I’m sure you are, too.

Let us pray - Shepherding God, we are thankful for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, and the great love he shows as the Good Shepherd.  May we always know his guiding presence in our lives.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen.