The Shepherd and His Sheep
John 10: 14-16 says,” 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. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one-fold, and one shepherd.”
The Gospel of John attributed to apostle John is a profound and spiritual account of the life, teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ. In Chapter 10, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe His relationship with His followers. In verses John 10: 14-15 reveal Jesus’ deep love, intimate knowledge of His followers and His willingness to give His life for them. He begins by emphasizing that anyone who enters the sheepfold through a means other than the door is a thief or a robber. But the one who enters the door is the true shepherd.
Jesus identifies Himself as the door to the shepherd, emphasizing that salvation and safety come through Him. Those who enter Him will find abundant life. He contrasts Himself with false shepherds who came before Him, calling them thieves and robbers. The religious leaders of the time were often hypocritical and self-serving. Jesus, in contrast, genuinely cares for His followers. The sheep (believers) recognize and hear His voice respond to it and follow Him.
In the eyes of the Good Shepherd, sheep hold insightful and profound significance. God created the sheep a valuable source of food and clothing. Their wool provides warmth, and their meat sustains life. In the early days, sheep were a vital part of human survival. The sheep often represent the people of God in the Bible. Just as a shepherd care for and guides his flock, God watches over His people. Lambs, in particular, symbolize innocence and purity.They were used as offerings in religious rituals. For Christians, the Lamb is a powerful symbol of Jesus, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Jesus declares Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays His life for the sheep. Jesus emphasizes His sacrificial love. This foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross for humanity’s redemption. Unlike a hired hand who abandons the sheep in danger, Jesus willingly sacrifices Himself for their well-being. He knows His sheep intimately, just as the Father knows Him. He promises eternal life to those who follow Him. Do we follow Him at all times? Do we hear His voice? Do you have the characteristics Jesus gives us in this passage that describe His sheep?
Jesus reveals that He has other sheep not of the same fold (referring to Gentiles). He intends to bring them together into one flock under His care. His authority to lay down His life and take it up again comes from the Father. Jesus assures His followers that no one can snatch them out of His hand. He and the Father are One.
How can we show that we follow our Good Shepherd? We must spend time in personal devotion, seeking to know God more intimately. We must address Him by name, recognizing His personal care for us. We must regularly engage with Scripture to recognize God’s voice; we seek His guidance in decision-making, trusting that He leads us on the right path. We must embrace the abundant life Jesus offers. Live with gratitude, contentment and with a sense of purpose, knowing that true fulfillment comes from following Him. Be intentional about sharing our faith. Pray for opportunities to reach out to those who haven’t heard the message of salvation. We must also show sacrificial love to others. Serve selflessly, forgive generously, and prioritize the needs of others. Pursue a deeper relationship with God. Spend time in prayer, worship and meditation of His Word.
Always remember that these applications are not mere intellectual exercises, but engaging steps to live our faith. As we follow our sovereign God, our Good Shepherd, we experience His guidance, protection and abundant life.
Our Prayer for Today:
Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our Good Shepherd, who knows each of us intimately. Just as You know Jesus, and He knows You, help us to grow in our knowledge of Him. May we keep our eyes fixed on Him, trusting that He laid down His life for us. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus for willingly sacrificing Himself for our sake. Lord Jesus, You are the singular Door into the sheepfold, and through You, we find eternal life. As we listen to Your voice, unite us as one flock under Your loving care. Guide us, O Shepherd, lead us away from danger, protect us from deception, and keep us close to Your heart. May we recognize Your voice in the midst of the temptations of the world, and may we follow You faithfully. May Your love and grace surround us today and always. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.