The Good Shepherd

John 10: 1-6

1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

Quickword: The Good Shepherd

When a shepherd counts the number of sheep, they only count the sheep that come in through the door. Those sheep who do not come into the gate are not counted by the shepherd because they don’t belong or know the shepherd.

- A good shepherd comes in by the door by which the sheep enters.

- A good shepherd when he calls his sheep, the sheep follow because they know the shepherds voice.

- A good shepherd brings out his own sheep, he goes before the sheep and the sheep follow because they know that the shepherd provides protection and provisions.

Jesus used this illustration of a good shepherd and sheep to underscore that He is the good shepherd who leads all humanity who enter through the door. Simply stated, his love and authenticity for humanity is unmatched. He calls us by name and leads us as a shepherd leads sheep. Those of us who know the Shepherd will follow the because we know his voice and know that he will provide, protect and hear our every prayer. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Let’s Pray. Dear God in Heaven, we thank you for loving us so much that you sent your son Hesus Christ to die for our sins. Even today, Jesus enters through tge Shepard door and calls us by name. As sheep, when we hear the shepherd’s voice when we follow and obedient we live an abundant life. I can’t speak for you but I’m grateful for the good shepherd and under Shepards (Pastors) who lead and guide congregations. Thank you Jesus for being the Good Shepherd. Amen