LIKE SHEEP
John 10:14-15 I
am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father
knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.
If you could be any kind of
animal, what would you choose? Would you choose a bird, dog, horse or elephant?
Most people, when asked, would not choose to be a wolf, snake or goat.
Interesting that throughout Scripture followers of Christ are described as
sheep. People opposed to Him were labeled goats, vipers or wolves. As sheep,
Jesus also claims his title as our Shepherd. How then are we like sheep? And
how is Jesus like a shepherd?
Sheep, by nature, are dumb
animals. They cannot do tricks like dogs or horses. Unlike cats, sheep will eat
anything in sight. They are also very nervous animals. They will scatter for
fear from a fluttering leaf, gust of wind or sudden noise. Each will run in
their own direction. Besides lacking intelligence and bravery they are also
stubborn. It takes prodding by someone to get them to move, each one requiring
a poke. Anyone can get them to move, leaving them vulnerable to a bad shepherd
or dog. In summary we can say that sheep are easily misled, easily duped and
easily in trouble. Sounds like us.
Jesus, our Shepherd, will do
everything in his power for us. He even will give his life for us. He will not
mislead us. Manipulation is not his game, either. When we find ourselves in
trouble, Jesus is only a word away. These are things that make Jesus a Good
Shepherd. When we listen and follow Him, our fears, insecurities and troubles
disappear. Now that’s Good News.
Jericho Road Ministries Chapel, 2011.
