The Good Shepherd's Life Giving Power and Love
Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash
The continuous eruption of caustic vitriol so prevalent today in social media is nothing new. The internet and cable networks just provide a huge platform to display it. But hypercritical naysayers are as old as the global flood in Noah’s time and those who mocked the Lord Jesus.
Even in the face of undeniable goodness, people will find fault and cast aspersions because of the darkness in their hearts. What a person holds in their heart—good or bad—will be known by what comes out of their mouths (Matt 12:34).
People may talk of being demonized for stating an opinion deemed unacceptable or offensive by others, but this is meant in a figurative sense. But when Jesus was accused of having a demon, it wasn’t figurative.
Perhaps the saddest indictment of those who spoke such words—they were considered important religious leaders. They were false shepherds attacking the good and true shepherd—Jesus.
Scripture
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. A hired hand isn’t a shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep. When he sees a wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and quickly runs away. So the wolf drags the sheep away and scatters the flock. The hired hand is concerned about what he’s going to get paid and not about the sheep.” [vss 11-13]
“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep as the Father knows me. So I give my life for my sheep. I also have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them. They, too, will respond to my voice. So they will be one flock with one shepherd.”
“The Father loves me because I give my life in order to take it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give my life of my own free will. I have the authority to give my life, and I have the authority to take my life back again. This is what my Father ordered me to do.” [vss 14-18]
The Jews were divided because of what Jesus said. Many of them said, “He’s possessed by a demon! He’s crazy! Why do you listen to him?” Others said, “No one talks like this if he’s possessed by a demon. Can a demon give sight to the blind?” [vss 19-21]
(John 10:11-21 GW)
Key phrase—
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
What does Jesus declare about Himself?
How does Jesus describe Himself and what He does?
What does Jesus say about those He leads?
How does Jesus describe His relationship with God?
How do those who hear what Jesus declares react to it?
What do these people say about Jesus?
Reflection...
Jesus continues to declare and explain the kind of relationship the Lord will have with His people. He speaks of a new and different relationship than Israel knew under the Law of Moses—a relationship based on trust. It was spoken of by Old Testament prophets who foretold of this trust relationship with the Messiah.
The elders of Israel were to be like shepherds for God’s people. As happens too often, the leaders of God’s people were more invested in their position and what it brought them than the responsibility entrusted to them by the Lord.
The Lord spoke a strong message of rebuke to such leaders through the prophet Ezekiel. The gist of God’s message through Ezekiel is summed up by Jesus in these verses found in John 10.
Jesus—the Good Shepherd—loves the sheep and gives His life for them. But many other leaders are only concerned for themselves. The Good Shepherd knows the sheep well and they know and trust Him.
Jesus also gives a glimpse of what to come by His declaration as the Good Shepherd. No one will take His life from Him. He will give it of His own free will. And the Good Shepherd will also take His life back again. This is a hint that points to His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.
Taking it to heart...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
How does Jesus compare the nature and actions of the Good Shepherd to those who are just a “hired hand”?
How are the sheep treated under the leadership of the Good Shepherd?
What happens to the sheep with the hired hand?
What does Jesus say about His relationship with the Father and His sheep and how are these relationships similar?
How does Jesus describe His authority as the Good Shepherd and what He will do with it?
How would you describe your relationship with God?
Has Jesus become your Good Shepherd?
Personalize it...
Meditate On This— As the Good Shepherd, Jesus speaks of a relationship based on trust. This relationship of trust is based on who He is and what He does. Jesus shows His love and uses His power by giving up His life and taking it back from death. This is why we can trust Him with our lives.
Prayer Focus— When you feel attacked or oppressed by others, remember how people treated Jesus. You can go to Him at any time in prayer. He understands. He cares. You can trust Him.
©2021—Word-Strong