We in America don’t understand the full worth of the Shepherd, but in other countries where sheep are moved from place to place, where there are no fences, they know well the value of a Shepherd. The Jews understood the importance of such a person.
Many times, in scripture we are called sheep. In I Peter 5:2 Jesus instructs Peter to “Feed the flock of God.” In Psalm 23 we are called the “sheep of His pasture.” Now in John 10, Jesus declares himself as the Good Shepherd of His sheep. The “I Am” declaration of being God in the flesh. The shepherd the Jews had heard about in the Old Testament is in their presence now.
John 10:11-15 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so, know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
He is a good shepherd in every sense of the word. He protects, provides guidance to what we need, and prepares us for whatever the task. However, He does something no other shepherd can do In John 10:17, Jesus says that the Father loves Him because He lays down His life, only to take it up again. Jesus died for our sins, He rose again to prove to us that there is life after death, so that we too may resurrect and live forever.
John10:17-18 “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”
The Good Shepherd knows His sheep and they know Him. They will not follow a shepherd they do not know. They recognize the Shepherd’s voice and respond by running to Him. They also are creatures that are directionally challenged. Without leadership, they will wander to the point of starvation. The Jews knew about this Shepherd to come and were looking for the Messianic Shepherd of Isaiah 40:11. However, because of their pride, they missed Him.
Isaiah 40:11 “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
Sheep are creatures that flock together instinctively. They have no way to defend themselves, and when they are frightened they run to each other and flock together. This makes them easy prey for the enemy. The Bible tells us as believers, we are to look to God for our protection. In Romans 12:19, and in Deuteronomy 32:25, we are told that he will vindicate His sheep. We are told to cast all our cares on Him. When we seek our own defense, we are telling Jesus, “I do not need your help. Your decisions regarding my problem are not best for me.” Now, I’m sure none of us would audibly say this to Jesus, but our actions reveal our hearts.
Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Our Shepherd is personally invested in His sheep. Unlike the hired shepherd who will flee at the mere thought of an attack that could cause him personal pain. Jesus will not forsake His. He laid down His life for all who will believe.
When we do not allow Jesus to be our Shepherd, we wander aimlessly through life, seeking our own way, and suffering greatly because of bad decisions made. Sheep have another characteristic that we as sheep should take note of. They are very picky eaters. They only eat what is good for them. Goats, on the other hand, are known as garbage disposals! They will eat anything. If we follow the example of the sheep, we will feast on His word daily. We will look for the nourishment and sustenance of His word. There is always something new and fresh that God wants to teach us through His word. Just like the green pastures the sheep seek and enjoy, we too can find rest and peace, and we will be filled by feasting on the words from the greatest Shepherd ever.
Be a sheep, and follow.
John 12:26 “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor”
Be a sheep, and let Him care for you.
I Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Be a sheep, by eating the “good stuff.”
Psalm 63:1 “A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;”
