GOOD SHEPHERD

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
~ John 10.11

The shepherd was a common feature of the Judean landscape. They were lowly of status by virtue of their profession, and their particular malodorous bouquet made them all the more persona non grata. (All the more startling that God would invite these to be the first to wish Jesus a happy birthday that special night in Bethlehem!)

 

Yet, Jesus used the term to describe Himself. Twice in John 10 Jesus said he was “the Good Shepherd.” He differentiated between a legitimate shepherd and one who had simply been hired to watch the sheep. A hireling isn’t committed to the cause of the sheep. At the first sign of danger, he runs. However, a legitimate shepherd has the interests of the sheep at the core of his duty. When the sheep are at risk, the shepherd willingly lays down his life for them.

 

Not only does he look after and protect the sheep, he knows the sheep and they know His voice and will follow after him (John 10.27-28).  What does that mean? It was not uncommon for shepherds to mix herds in pens at night for mutual protection out in the countryside. At dawn, when it was time to go out, the shepherd would simply call out to his sheep and those that belonged to his flock would recognize his voice and follow him out. Isn’t that amazing?!?

 

Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, has the best interests of His flock in mind at all times. He Knows what His sheep need, even if they don’t (sheep are not the smartest animals in the barnyard!). He leads His sheep to pasture and to water. He protects His sheep from danger. He knows each and every sheep and each sheep knows the voice of the Good Shepherd.

 

Jesus knows You! He knew you before you were even born (Jeremiah 1.5). He knows your needs, your heart’s desires. He knows what makes your heart jump and your mind tick. He knows your current circumstances, your past hurts, and your future needs. The Good Shepherd will lead you where you need to go. Will you follow after your Shepherd who loves you so? Will you follow His voice?

Prayer

Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. Thank You for watching after me. Thank You for protecting me from dangers of which I was not even aware. Thank You for providing for me my daily needs. I am sorry for taking these things for granted and not being filled with gratitude each and every day! Help me to listen to Your voice and give me the courage to follow after You. Amen.

Advent Devotional
by Bible Project
hosted by
YouVersion Bible App

Buen Pastor (1640) by Cristóbal García Salmerón
(oil on canvas) Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

Cristobal was a Spanish artist in the 17th century. In this piece Jesus is depicted as the Good Shepherd who has found the one sheep and is carrying home.

 

The Good Shepherd has lovingly placed the wayward sheep over His shoulders. The sheep has a look on his face of contentedness in being found and gratitude for the Good Shepherd’s resilience in seeking after him.

 

Jesus holds tightly to the feet of the sheep and in his right hand Cristobal has a scroll with John 10.14 in Latin. Jesus is clothed with a red tunic and a beautiful, flowing, blue robe.

 

Jesus looks upward towards the Father, always seeking to do the will of the Father (John 6.38). Jesus’ head is backlit (behind the sheep) indicating His divine nature.

 

Take time to enjoy this painting. Take the time to imagine you are being lovingly carried by Jesus; carried away from danger; being carried away from the path that you had wandered; being carried back in the safety of the arms of the Good Shepherd.

Buen Pastor (1640) by Cristóbal García Salmerón
(oil on canvas) Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

Cristobal was a Spanish artist in the 17th century. In this piece Jesus is depicted as the Good Shepherd who has found the one sheep and is carrying home.

 

The Good Shepherd has lovingly placed the wayward sheep over His shoulders. The sheep has a look on his face of contentedness in being found and gratitude for the Good Shepherd’s resilience in seeking after him.

 

Jesus holds tightly to the feet of the sheep and in his right hand Cristobal has a scroll with John 10.14 in Latin. Jesus is clothed with a red tunic and a beautiful, flowing, blue robe.

 

Jesus looks upward towards the Father, always seeking to do the will of the Father (John 6.38). Jesus’ head is backlit (behind the sheep) indicating His divine nature.

 

Take time to enjoy this painting. Take the time to imagine you are being lovingly carried by Jesus; carried away from danger; being carried away from the path that you had wandered; being carried back in the safety of the arms of the Good Shepherd.

Playlist Daily Highlight

Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song. Reflect on them. Let God’s spirit speak to you in this moment.