Throughout His ministry, Jesus gave seven I AM statements:
I AM… The Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the True Vine, the Resurrection and Life, and…. The Good Shepherd. I plan to shine a light on all of them, but today, I would like to focus on the Good Shepherd. This parable in John 10 is one that truly warms my heart. I know that you have read these verses a million times, but I would like us to focus on what it means that Jesus is our GOOD SHEPHERD. John 10 is filled with rich theology so we can only capture a little of it.
It’s important to note that each I AM statement reveals Jesus as God. God identified Himself to Moses in Exodus 3 as the I AM. Jesus making this claim to be God is what got Him in hot water with the religious leaders. But for you and me, each one gives us a little more about the One who we love and serve. Here are four things about our GOOD SHEPHERD:
Our Shepherd is GOOD! Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Jesus doesn’t just do good things, but He IS good. Meaning that goodness is His essence. Everything He does is good and everything He does for His sheep is good. He wants what’s best for us. He orchestrates things in our life for our good and for His glory. There are many claiming to be “shepherds” who are not good. Many are bad. But our Shepherd is ALWAYS good.
Our Shepherd leads by HIS VOICE! Jesus said, “After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). His voice carries great weight for the believer. Here’s the thing… the closer we follow, the more we will discern His voice. I’m guessing that the reason why so many “Christians” are following deceptive spirits is because they are not following close behind… always listening, always tuning in to the voice of their Shepherd.
The other day, I was chatting with someone who was telling me that she was going to do something because the Lord was leading her. But what she was telling me didn’t make sense and I knew that Jesus would never lead her on that pathway. It’s important we learn to discern ONLY His voice because He would never lead us astray.
Our Shepherd PROTECTS HIS SHEEP! Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7). He is the gate… meaning you must go through His gate to receive eternal life, but He also stands there as a protector. Sheep are helpless animals and they literally cannot help themselves when they get into trouble. Predators are after them. We have a great predator trying to get to us, but our Shepherd is protecting us. We are safe and secure in His fold.
Our Shepherd OFFERS HIS LIFE! Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This one should move each of our hearts. I saw a t-shirt the other day that read: “Jesus in my place!” I would wear that shirt proudly because it’s so true… Jesus (your Good Shepherd) took our place. He gave up His life for ours. No one has done that for you.
We have a GOOD SHEPHERD… One who loves us, cares for us, guides us, watches over us, and would do anything for us. We are blessed to be a part of His flock. Don’t you agree?