I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD
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.
The Good Shepherd has three
qualities that false shepherds do not. First, Jesus says that only the true
shepherd will give his life for the sheep. The hired hand takes no ownership
interest in the sheep. He is someone who receives benefit on terms that make
him only concerned about his pay, his welfare in the relationship. When trouble
comes or severe weather strikes, the hired man will run for safety, his safety.
Abandoning position as a hire man reveals the shallow level of interest and
care for the lives of the sheep. If the sheep are stolen by threatening robbers
or die in natural disaster, the hired man has only lost his wage. He has lost
nothing, they’re not his sheep.
Second, the Good Shepherd is
recognized, known by his sheep and they listen to his voice. The implication of
knowing and hearing the Good Shepherd is that his sheep will follow him. They
will gather with other flocks of his sheep. Many people hear the message of
Christ yet only a small number follow and believe. As the early church expanded
the message they took was the voice of Christ Jesus beckoning his sheep to
follow. To this day, many have heard the voice of Christ in the message of the
good news and from the pages of Scripture. And to this day only a few know him
and listen to him.
Lastly, the Good Shepherd
has the authority himself to lay down his life for his sheep and to take it up
again. The laying down and the taking up of his life points directly to his crucifixion
and resurrection. The Son of God, has the power to obey the command of the
Father.
How is your heart responding
to these teachings? Are you saying, “What nonsense! Who could ever believe this
raving mad-man? Why should I listen to him?” Or are you thinking that these
words make sense. Are you saying to yourself, “Jesus must have known what He
was saying. Can a mand-man open the eyes of the blind or heal the crippled?” If
you are saying the later, then don’t you believe you should listen to more he says
in Scripture? Do you know that you must trust him and follow him?