In studying the Bible, we will discover a recurring motif of shepherds and sheep. In the opening pages of inspiration, Abel is set as the world’s first shepherd (Genesis 4:2). Later, Moses is charged with keeping Jethro’s flocks (Exodus 3:1). One of the most widely known shepherds of all might be King David (1 Samuel 16:11). While these men (and many others) served as shepherds at various points in life, none would carry the same weight of responsibility nor the depth of love as the Good Shepherd Himself, Jesus. A look at John 10 will reveal the significance of our Lord’s role as the Good Shepherd.
Offers His Life
What sets the Good Shepherd apart from all others? For one, He was not only willing to give His life for the sake of His sheep, but He actually did it. Prior to being anointed as king, David faced the danger of confronting various wild beasts for the sake of his father’s sheep. He risked his life but did not lose it for the flock (1 Samuel 17:34–36). On the other hand, Jesus knew the dangers that lay ahead of Him, and yet, He pressed on. In a discussion with Peter, Jesus spoke plainly of His fate. “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matthew 16:21). It is further noted that Jesus willingly offered His life for His sheep. “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father” (John 10:18). This voluntary offering demonstrated two wonderful facets of the relationship between the Shepherd and His flock. First, His willing offering of life proved that Jesus deeply loves His sheep. Further, it demonstrates that Jesus sees His sheep as far more than pets or a commodity. There is a deep and abiding relationship that is beyond compare. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus is rightly called the Good Shepherd because He offered His life for that of His sheep.
Knows and Is Known
Since its beginnings as recorded in the Book of Acts, there have been countless souls added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:41; 4:4). It is wonderful that each soul is able to know Jesus. Greater still is the fact that the Lord knows each of those souls. That is proof positive of His love and care for those that are His.
The hireling may neither know the sheep nor might he be known by the sheep. The shepherd may be known by the sheep, but he may not know each individually. However, the Good Shepherd both knows and is known by the sheep. What a beautiful display of both care and compassion. Each sheep will have its own needs and challenges, but the Good Shepherd cares enough to know each one specifically. Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). This kind of care builds trust and thus the sheep willingly follow. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Not only will the sheep follow, but the established trust is the source of the confidence that all believers (sheep) can have in Jesus. Again, Jesus is rightly known as the Good Shepherd because He knows and is known of those that are His.
Offers Eternal Life
All sheep benefit by having a diligent and caring shepherd. He protects, feeds and cares for the sheep of his pasture. Yet, even with the greatest care offered, all sheep will one day die. Some will die of old age, some may be taken for meat, and others may yet succumb to disease. Whatever the means, the fact still remains that the shepherd cannot permanently prolong the days of his sheep. That power belongs to the Good Shepherd alone. Jesus not only ensures that His sheep have the benefit of His protection and the blessing of His nourishment, but He offers His life to extend the lives of His sheep. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). What a comforting thought to know that the One Who cares for us also provides eternal life and promises that no one can pluck us from His hand. Jesus provides a joy-filled life now and an even greater life in the hereafter. “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:9–10).
Final Thoughts
There are many facets to our Lord’s life and ministry. In getting to know these various facets, we can come to have greater knowledge, love and appreciation for the Lord. In seeing Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we see His dedication, sacrifice and attention devoted to those that are His. Not only was He willing, but the Lord went through with offering His life for His sheep. Not only that, but He knows every single member of His flock and is known by each. Such attention and care are unrivaled. As though those things were not enough, the Lord also offers eternal life. No shepherd could be greater. To bring these thoughts to a close, let us hear these words from Peter. Speaking of Jesus, Peter wrote, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (1 Peter 2:24–25).
