This week, we have been talking about sheep and shepherds. Specifically, we are talking about the fact that you and I are like sheep, and Christ is the Good Shepherd. The interesting thing about sheep is that they are defenseless. There is not much that they can do to protect themselves in times of danger, left to their own devices. Because of this, the protection of the sheep often lies in the strength of their shepherd. This is certainly true for our relationships with Christ, the Good Shepherd. Because Christ is our shepherd, we sheep can be certain that we are well protected because Christ is all-powerful, and He promises to take care of His sheep.
When Jesus taught in John 10 that He is the Good Shepherd, He explained that having Him as a shepherd meant protection. “I am the good shepherd,” Jesus said (verse 11). He then explained that “The good shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep” (verse 11). When Jesus said this, He was reminding His listeners that a good shepherd will take care of and protect his sheep at all costs, even when it put the shepherd in harm’s way. On a deeper level, Jesus was explaining to His listeners that He was going to lay His own life down for them very soon. He was predicting His death and resurrection on the cross. This death and resurrection provide the ultimate protection for everyone who places their faith in Him.
If you have placed your faith in Christ, you are His sheep, and He is your Good Shepherd. He has laid down His life for you. You have protection in Him, knowing that you have eternal life in Him. Regardless of what this world brings, you have security in Him. Today, walk with the certainty that He will lead and guide you.
In what areas of your life do you need God’s protection? Tell Him about these areas. Ask Him for His protection in each specific area. Finally, rest in His protection as your Good Shepherd. He is, He always has been, and He always will be protecting you each and every day.
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
