Good Shepherd
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:7-10)
We don't like to be compared with sheep. Sure, they're cute and fluffy but we have the misconception that they're not very smart and that they have little value beyond what we can use - their wool and meat, especially. However, due to strong agricultural ties, Jesus' listeners would not have received this comparison as an insult. They knew that sheep were highly social, intelligent and friendly animals with unique personalities. The natural instinct of sheep to run from perceived danger - unfamiliar faces and voices - was not considered cowardly,
but life-preserving.
It's actually unfortunate that in our western "civilized" culture we are no longer as similar to sheep as Jesus' original listeners. Despite having access to technology that could bring us closer to one another, we often use those resources to create divisions and build barriers to potential community. Our supposed intelligence has not saved us from falling prey to ideologies and prejudices that keep no one safe. Our lack of connection with God, planet and humanity have made us easy victims of false prophets - voices that have no intention of, or ability to, deliver on promises of safety, security, or peace.
Jesus' life, ministry, and death, stood in stark contrast to the shepherds of his day - imperial secular and faith leaders who failed to care for others as much as they sought their own power. Jesus remains the only truly Good Shepherd. Jesus taught that he is the shepherd who provides for the needs of his flock - feeding, healing, restoring, and even laying down his life. He also serves as the gate through which the we can pass in safety to abundant pastures. We all have a deep desire to be cared for and known. May God tune our hearts and minds to hear and recognize the loving voice of our Good Shepherd and give us the wisdom and grace to follow him.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.
(Psalm 23)
Enjoy this original song by yours truly.
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