“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
The relationship between a shepherd and his flock of sheep was well understood by those in biblical times, as well as the qualities and characteristics necessary to be a good shepherd. So, when Christ refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, those in His hearing well understood the cultural implications. One of the first observations we take from this relationship between a shepherd and his sheep is that the shepherd knows which sheep are his, and the sheep know the voice of their shepherd. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me,” (John 10:27). All those that the Father ordains to be saved will be sought out by the Good Shepherd and brought safely into His flock, because Christ willingly gave His life to save them (John 10:11), and “Of those whom You gave me I have lost not one,” (John 18:9). Even if one of His sheep does happen to stray, the Good Shepherd will personally seek that one out, find it, and bring it back to the safety of the fold (Matt. 18:12-14). Sheep cannot take care of themselves. They are not self-reliant, independent creatures. On their own, they wander into dangerous territory and put themselves at risk. Without their shepherd, they have no sense of direction or provision. Likewise, Christians are completely reliant on Christ, our Good Shepherd (John 15:5), to lead us in the paths of righteousness and provide us with the spiritual food we need for proper nourishment through His Word. Our duty is to simply listen to His voice and follow where He leads. Only then may we be able to say with the psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,” (Ps. 23:1). The Good Shepherd continually protects and provides for His own now in eternity by mediating on their behalf before God. “He is entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us,” (Heb. 9:24). William Strong, Westminster Divine, said, “The care of Christ is exercised in presenting your persons and services to the Father. There is not one person converted, no, not the meanest servant or poorest beggar, but Christ takes care to tender him to the Father”… because He is the Good Shepherd.- Lord, You provide for my needs even before I realize them. When You ascended to heaven, You knew Your disciples would miss Your physical presence. But before they even realized it, You were taking care of them, “When I depart, I will send you the Comforter,” (John 16:7). This is how You work in my life too. Before I even know what will befall me, You have already placed a hedge about me to keep me safe.
- You care so much for me Lord, that You have already prepared heaven for me. “I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also,” (John 14:2-3).
- Lord, You tell me to cast all my care on You, because You care for me (1 Peter 5:7). Help me not lean on my own understanding nor rest on my own strength. Friends may fail me, my counsels may mislead me, but I must remember to cast my care on You, for You care for me perfectly. Help me turn every concern over to You that I may find the rest and peace that only You can give.
