The Good Shepherd

One of the most prominent themes in the story of redemption is that of God’s people being lost sheep in need of a shepherd. This theme is beautifully woven throughout Scripture and fulfilled in Christ our Shepherd.

We see early on in the Old Testament that God is our Shepherd. In Psalm 23:1, David sings “the Lord is my shepherd” (ESV), and the entire psalm is full of beautiful imagery of the Lord’s care, leadership, and protection of His flock.

Also, Psalm 100:3 says (ESV):

“Know that the Lord, he is God!

    It is he who made us, and we are his;

    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

God is our Maker and our Creator, and thus, He alone is able to guide and protect His people, the sheep of His pasture. There is no safer place than in the loving care of our Shepherd.

But because of sin, we have all rejected our Shepherd. Sin has severed our relationship with God. We have trusted in our own ability. We have chosen our own paths to follow.

Isaiah 53:6 (ESV) says:

 “All we like sheep have gone astray;

    we have turned—every one—to his own way.”

We are prone to wander, and apart from our Shepherd, we are utterly helpless. The paths we have chosen lead to destruction and death. We are lost. We are in need of rescue.

And here enters Christ our Shepherd. Out of His great compassion for us, God sent His beloved Son to accomplish this very task—to bring His lost sheep home.

In John 10, Jesus declares “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me… My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (verse 14, 27 ESV).

This is the Good Shepherd—He knows, leads, and protects His flock.

He loves His sheep. And He died for them.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11 ESV).

Because of His great love, Jesus took on our penalty for sin. He died so that we may be forever saved and reconciled to Him.

Friend, you are forever in His care. Christ has brought you into His flock. And because of that, He will never stop pursuing you.

Although we may wander, our Good Shepherd will never stop pursuing His sheep.

Reflect:

Christ will forever protect and pursue His own. How can you rest in this truth today?