The Good Shepherd

In the Parable of the Good Shepherd, we find two of the seven “I AM” statements of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of John.

Jesus is pictured to be the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd of the sheep.

Also pictured in this parable are the sheep, thieves, robbers, a doorkeeper, strangers, hired hands, and wolves.

John 10:11,14

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me.”

The context of Jesus’ identification as the Good Shepherd is in the contrast which Jesus makes between the shepherd and the hireling.

The hireling does not own the sheep. The relationship he has with the sheep is one based strictly upon self-serving motives, and therefore, he flees when the wolves come and threaten the sheep.

The hireling, we can presume, couldn’t care less to protect the sheep from falling prey to the other threats against the sheep as well, such as, the thieves, robbers, and strangers.

Jesus speaks of the thief’s desire to steal, kill, and destroy the sheep.

However, Jesus is the good shepherd. The One who lays down His life for the sheep.

These are not just colorful words to living up a good story. These words would soon be fulfilled in the suffering and death of Jesus upon an old, rugged cross.

“No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.” (Jesus)

The Sheep.

The sheep in this parable are the Jews. However, Jesus speaks of “other sheep” who are not of this fold; (but) I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

The Other Sheep.

The “other sheep” are the Gentiles whom He calls unto Himself. Whosoever will enter through the door will be saved. They will go in and out and find pasture.

Jesus came to Rescue Us, to Redeems Us, and to Reconcile Us With Our Heavenly Father.

He truly is The Good Shepherd.

He rescues us from the thieves and robbers, the strangers, and the wolves.

Concerning His sheep, Jesus said, “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

He Redeems us through the laying down of His life He gave His life to redeem ours.

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

As the parable of the good shepherd bears out, Jesus owns His sheep. He has purchased us with His life.

As His sheep, we hear His voice and follow Him. He leads, we follow.

If one gets lost, He will leave the ninety and nine to go find them!

He reconcile us with our heavenly Father. We are one with Christ and through Him we are one with the Father.

John 10:14–15

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

Psalm 23:1–6

Psalm 23:1–6 NASB95

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.