The Good Shepherd -

I love a good story with drama and convincing characters that draw me in, and when the author helps me see myself along the way. It’s no wonder Jesus told stories as He walked among His followers. He told perfectly crafted stories like The Good Shepherd, with deeper spiritual messages. Messages many didn’t comprehend, but those who did were forever changed.

These parables are still speaking to those who will hear them today.

Drawing Near to the Good Shepherd

When the new year rolled in, I felt my #OneWord from the Lord was DRAW NEAR. As I continue to ponder this, I desire to spend more time in His word, time in His presence, and a deeper awareness that He is with me in everything I do. I am drawn to His parable about Him being the Good Shepherd.

This story is not only one of Jesus’ parables but also one of His seven I AM statements in John’s Gospel where He claims His deity. Jesus claims oneness with the Father in his conversations with the religious leaders, echoing God’s assertions to Himself in Isaiah chapters 40-55.

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s desire has been to Shepherd His people. Once they decided they wanted a king to rule like all the other nations, the prophets continued to anoint a shepherd of God’s choosing to lead, defend, and care for them. Yet in every case, these shepherds, being human, failed in some way. Yet by God’s grace, they brought His people to the next place in their spiritual journey.

People, Like Sheep, Need a Good Shepherd

The funny thing is, that people are like sheep—fearful, vulnerable, anxious, and dependent. And we need a shepherd. Yet, more often than not, people seek the wrong kind of shepherd that Jesus describes as a hireling—one who doesn’t really care about the sheep at all. This shepherd-wanna-be will leave the sheep vulnerable to enemy attack, and run away rather than defend them.

The funny thing is, that people are like sheep—fearful, vulnerable, anxious, and dependent. And we need a #shepherd. #TrustingTheGoodShepherd Share on X

In John chapter 10:3-4, 11, Jesus says, I AM THE Good Shepherd. The one written about over seven hundred years before in Isaiah 40:10-11.

Trusting the Good Shepherd

A shepherd leads, protects, provides, cares for the sheep’s needs, heals wounds, knows his sheep by name, fends off predators, and is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. By meeting these needs, a good shepherd earns the trust of his sheep.

Jesus, our Good Shepherd does all of this and more.

Jesus was willing to lay down His life for you and me. He is the #GoodShepherd Share on X

I mentioned that Jesus’ conversation with the religious leadership wasn’t well received. They were not tending God’s people the way a shepherd should. Did they hear the parable’s message? Probably not. They were more interested in challenging Jesus’ claims of deity—blasphemy in their eyes.

It’s The Good Shepherd’s Job

We cannot make others believe. Nor can we open another’s eyes or ears to God’s Truth. Only God can do that. What we can do is continue to follow the Shepherd and invite others to know Him. God will do the rest.

We cannot make others #believe. Only God can do that. What we can do is continue to #followtheShepherd and invite others to know Him. God will do the rest. Share on X

Jesus said, I AM the Good Shepherd and My sheep know My voice and will follow Me. He also says in John 10:16, there are other sheep that are not yet part of the fold, and He will continue to seek the lost so they may be found.

As you read and ponder John 10:1-18, consider the following:

How has Jesus been your Good Shepherd? (how has He led, protected, provided, etc)

Have you come in contact with a hireling (a shepherd-wanna-be)? What was that experience like?

John 10:11 – Jesus is our Good Shepherd – See Psalm 22

Hebrews 13:20 – He is called the Great Shepherd – See Psalm 23

1 Peter 5:4 – He is called the Chief Shepherd – See Psalm 24

How can you trust your Good Shepherd in your current situation?

As we enter the Easter season, this call from the Good Shepherd, the One who laid down His life, is to draw near to Him—to depend on Him for our needs. He wants us to listen for His voice. To follow Him to a place of rest; and trust Him in every situation. Let that be our prayer for 2025.

What’s on your heart today? I’d love for you to share in the comments below.

Until next time,

Jeanne

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