Jesus is the Good Shepherd
John 10: 11-18 Week B-E4
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
2. Connect It!
1. Explore It! Jesus describes an image of God as a good shepherd. The good shepherd tends to his flock in a loving way, defending his flock against even the wolves who come to attack the herd. The good shepherd knows each sheep, and each sheep, in turn, knows his voice. Just the same, God the Father knows His flock, and His flock knows Him. And the Son who is sent by the Father will willingly lay down His life for the flock.
Contrary to a popular belief, sheep are not simpleminded animals. Sheep will band in large numbers in an attempt to protect themselves as they graze in the field. When a predator comes near, they will try to move away from that source of danger. Using that same instinct, sheep will move towards another sheep or a friendly person - such as their shepherd, in a trusting manner that the friend would lead them to a new pasture to feed. The sheep and the shepherd become familiar to one another so that even when two flocks mix together when grazing, a shepherd will call out to his flock and his flock will follow him. The sheep and shepherd relationship is so strong that even when danger presents itself, the shepherd will willingly defend his sheep. In that same way, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are His flock. When the danger of sin enters our lives, Jesus is the sacrifice that protects us from the evils of Satan. When Jesus calls, we should follow as He leads us. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus freely lays down His life for His flock.
3. Reflect It!
4. Live It!
Think of a person in leadership that you would listen to. The president? The Pope? Your church Pastor? How about your parents? Maybe it’s your Huynh Trưởng. Even today, we know there are many leaders out there, but sometimes there are leaders that you would not want to follow also. Not only is a good shepherd a leader figure, but also someone you can feel comfortable with and can trust. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and His sheep know His voice, and trust Him to lead them to green pastures. What are the qualities that you find define a leader that you would listen to? What makes them a trustworthy person?
[Generosity]
Generosity—to freely share without the intent of receiving something in return. The Good Shepherd freely gives His life for His flock. To be generous is a great way to show love and friendship. It is an idea of bringing happiness to others in giving, to give just for the joy of giving. Start this week by being a good friend to someone you have not talked to in a while. Share your time with someone by calling or sending a message to an old friend to catch up, or maybe even go out for a drink or dessert. Be generous by showing God’s love and being a friend to someone else!
5. Remember It! “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 15:5)
6. Pray It! Dear Jesus, in those times when we stray far from you, let us be attentive to hear Your voice calling out to us. You call us by name and lead us back to You. Amen.
