Christ, The Good Shepherd

Focus: John 10:14-15 - KJV

14. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:11-17

Christ is the good shepherd. He values the life of His sheep and went to the extent not only to care for His sheep but also to lay down His life that the sheep may live. It is hard to find such shepherd that is willing to lay down his own life for his sheep to live. There had been many before Christ who would want to present themselves as shephards but were really hirelings and cared less for the life of the sheep. Christ called them thieves and robbers. For Christ, the sheep is the major focus and the bringing of them into the fold that they may know Him and not listen to the voice of a stranger.

Mary Magdalene had seven devils; the good shepherd made it His concern to free her. The most heinous sin outside murder under the laws of Moses was adultery. Christ would not allow a woman caught in adultery be stoned to death. He condemned her not, but restored her to righteousness that she may not sin again. When push came to shove, to ensure there is no longer a basis to destroy the sheep for sin, He volunteered His life for the sheep to be free, and have life; and if he stays (the sheep) with the Good Shepherd, to experience life more abundantly.

The Lord is reminding us today to listen only to the voice of the shepherd who truly loves us and laid down His life for us. This presupposes taking in the word of God to know and do it so as to remain faithful unto Him. It is a betrayal of the good shepherd to hearken to the voice of the hireling rather than His voice. Moses did not lay down his life for anyone. Neither did anyone of the other prophets. The one commended to us by God is the Christ. Let us therefore, be intentional in ensuring that when we are directed to do a particular precept, we check to ascertain that it is something the good shepherd approves. Doing otherwise is paying the good shepherd with evil.

Please pray:

Lord Jesus, I thank you for volunteering your life in death in the stead of mine. Let not your sacrifice for me as your sheep ever be in vain, in Jesus’ name. Let no hireling take me over from you even as you make your voice glaring and familiar to me throughout my life, in Jesus’ name. Take me to the height of being like you in my dealings with your sheep, dear Lord, in Jesus’ name.

Please share with others. God bless you.