Listen

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. When the hired hand sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away. That’s because he isn’t the shepherd; the sheep aren’t really his. So the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. He’s only a hired hand and the sheep don’t matter to him.”

John 10:11-13

Think

Jesus talks with his disciples through a parable about a shepherd, something that would be familiar to the disciples. Jesus says that he is the good shepherd. Since Jesus’ disciples are always trying to understand who Jesus really is, this is an important illustration for them and for us.

Jesus says that the shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, but the hired hand runs away when he sees a wolf that could harm the flock. The hired hand is more concerned about his or her well-being than about the flock.

There is a parallel to the sheep belonging to the shepherd, and the people belonging to Jesus. God loves us so much that God sent a shepherd to love and care for us. In the same way, Jesus loves us today. Jesus loves us and gives his life for us. As the good shepherd, Jesus manifests love in concrete and sacrificial ways.

Stephanie Ezell

Question to Ponder:

Why is it important for us to have a shepherd today?

Pray

Dear God, thank you for loving me like a good shepherd. Help me to also care for others, showing compassion and sacrifice to those around me.

I’m thinking about _________ who needs care and compassion right now. Help me show your love.

Amen.

Go

Go into the world, with the love of God.

Go into the world, with the peace of the risen Christ.

Go into the world, inspired by the Holy Spirit.