The Good Shepherd - Who is Jesus?

ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” (Psalm 23:1, NLT)

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15, NLT)

Jesus introduced himself as “the good shepherd,” intentionally taking up a metaphor that was very much at home with his audience. This identity as a shepherd—and not just any shepherd but a good shepherd—demonstrates Jesus as a compassionate guardian of his flock. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus watches over us with pure motives and with our safety in mind. He isn’t a greedy shepherd, looking only for personal gain; rather, he carefully watches over us. The Good Shepherd protects us. He always has his eyes on the horizon, watching for dangers that might approach, scanning for predators that would harm his flock of followers.

A particular picture of this care is found in 1 Samuel 17:33-37, where David speaks of risking his life to fight off bears and lions to protect his flock. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, which describes the Good Shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that had wandered away (Matthew 18:11-13).

Jesus will not allow even one of his followers to be lost. Our Good Shepherd is not just watching the flock as a whole but has eyes on us individually. He knows us by name and looks out for our individual needs. This individualized concern contrasts with the world, where we often feel like a number. But Jesus sees us. We are so important to him that he pursues us and carries us back to safety when we inadvertently wander off. Greener grass or sweeter waters may attract us, but the Good Shepherd knows what is best for us. He is always worth following.

Are there decisions, thoughts, or feelings that tempt you to wander away from your Good Shepherd? How does his personal love for you invite you to come back to him?

PRAYER

Good Shepherd, help me be attuned to your voice. Help me to separate it from the noise in my life. Let me hear you more clearly as you lead me to the places you have for me. Amen.