For our last time together this year, let’s mull over one more of Jesus’ emphatic “I am” proclamations. Today’s links us to the season as we enjoy our creches, each one depicting shepherds. Jesus says,
“I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
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.”
John 10:11, 14-15
The shepherd’s role of tending, feeding, guarding and protecting his sheep boils down to having absolute responsibility for the them. Spending all day, even weeks at a time, alone on the hillsides, the sheep become his friends and companions. To think of them before he thinks of himself is second nature. A natural response builds to risk his life in defense of his flock.
Speaking of Himself as shepherd, Jesus uses the descriptor “good”. In Greek, this word (kalos) means “beautiful, fair, desirable, advantageous”. Christ as shepherd portrays a loveliness that goes beyond efficiency, dependability, and strength. He displays beauty and desirability. His goodness draws us in. Pointing to Jesus, Isaiah 40:11 paints a compelling description:
“He tends His flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart.
He gently leads those that have young.”
Anybody want to fall into the loving arms of that Shepherd, being carried close to His heart as He gently leads? So loved and cared for? Deeply cherished and protected?
Two more truths we glean from the verses in John 10. One, He knows His sheep and they know Him. Remember, this involves more than knowing ‘about’ someone or being ‘acquainted with’ him, but includes enjoying a close, personal relationship. As intimately as the Father knows Jesus, and Jesus knows the Father, we can intimately know Jesus and He us.
The second truth, prophetic to the ultimate role in being our Good Shepherd, states, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”.
That the shepherds, huddled around the manger, had an inkling this swaddled, tiny newborn would step into their role of shepherd is doubtful. Even more unlikely was an understanding that one day He would pay the ultimate price by laying down His life for them. For their families and children, and children’s children. Though the angels had proclaimed the Messiah’s arrival, their perception that he would be a warrior king clouded their understanding. Instead of warring to redeem the people, their Redeemer would be willing to surrender His own life to save His sheep from destruction. Amazing. Powerful. Unbelievable. Yet true.
Have you responded to the Shepherd’s call to your heart? Has your soul turned toward the inner, tender voice of the Shepherd that has been wooing you? Are you wandering, weary from the travail of doing it alone? Bruised and bleeding, wounded from falls, snagged by thorns along the path? Is fear your companion when darkness closes in? Does your heart fail within you as you face a snarling enemy?
Your Good Shepherd awaits your faintest response. He will leave the flock and come running for you; to save you; to apply oil to your wounds; to lift you into his gentle arms and soothe your soul with love and grace unimaginable. He left glory, for you. He put on flesh, for you. He performed miracles and spoke clearly of His kingdom, for you. He dealt with angry crowds and biting, hateful religious leaders, for you. He took upon Himself the weight and horror of all sin, past-present-future on the cross, for you. He rose again, conquering death, for you. And He is waiting, for you. With a quiet whisper or a loud cry, from the depths of your soul, call out to Him, “Jesus, I need you.” He is anxious to come to you.
To end our year together, let’s proclaim the goodness of our Shepherd Savior with this Psalm written by another shepherd, David. He understood how a good shepherd leads; and embraced God as his Shepherd.
“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.”
Psalm 23, The Message
May the Christ we celebrate this Christmas touch you in a new way this season.
And in the coming New Year:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Amen
[Note: If ever you are left with questions, or wrestle with a concept, or just want to respond, I would love to hear from you. You can use the comment section below so others can be part of the conversation, or privately through an email (use “Contact Me” in the top menu)].
Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash
