I Am The Good Shepherd

John 10:14-15 (New Living Translation)

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He lays down His life for us. He has already proved this at Calvary. Everything that Satan means to kill, steal, and destroy our lives, Jesus is able to step in and supernaturally use it for our good and His purposes. We must remember that Jesus is Almighty God. That means He is sovereign, He is all powerful, He is all knowing, He holds all things together by His mighty power.

But there is something Jesus says here that is very very important. He says "I know my sheep, and they know me". No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. Those who come to follow Christ, don't simply follow Him from a distance, but they actually know Him intimately. They have made the decision to deny themselves and pick up their cross.

Jesus will meet our every need. The role of a real shepherd was many. He would lay across the opening of the sheep pen at night to protect the sheep from any predators. There was only one entrance. The walls of the sheep pen were high enough to protect from predators. But the shepherd would not only protect the sheep, he would lead them to green pastures to eat and to rest. He would lead them to still waters to drink and be refreshed. The problem for sheep if they are led to rushing water and they try to drink, they will fall in. If they fall in, their coat becomes so heavy that they ultimately drown.

Sheep are helpless animals that cannot protect themselves. They have no claws or sharp teeth. They require a shepherd for safety and survival. Using this example teaches us much in our relationship with Jesus. We need Him daily. We need to follow Him. If we get away from the Good Shepherd we are placed in a very dangerous position. Jesus will provide every need, will protect, lead, and guide us. All we need is found in Jesus.

Prayer

Father I thank you for sending your Son Jesus. I thank you for your goodness and your love. Jesus I thank you that you continually protect me and provide for me. I thank you that there is nothing I have to fear. Lead me this day and use my life to glorify and honor you. In the name of Jesus, Amen!