"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
What are some characteristics of a good shepherd? A good shepherd… • Protects his sheep • Knows his sheep by name • Provides for his sheep • Rescues his lost sheep • Leads his sheep • Is willing to fight for his sheep • And as we learn from this verse, a good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. As our Good Shepherd, He is all of these characteristics and more – and not just in theory! He has already fulfilled the greatest vow of being a Shepherd when He willingly and lovingly laid down His life to rescue us from death and eternal separation from Him. And He continues each day to protect us – that’s a powerful Shepherd. He knows you and me by name – that’s an intimate Shepherd. He provides for our daily needs – that’s a resourceful Shepherd. He leads and guides us – that’s a wise Shepherd. He is willing to fight for us – that’s a loving Shepherd.
When have you recently stopped to thank Him for being your Good Shepherd? How have you seen Him take care of you in each of these areas? Praise God that He understands we’re weak and fragile sheep, helpless without Him. Thank Him that He loved us enough to lay down His life for us and that He continues to fight for us and provide for us daily. Now that’s a Good Shepherd!