John 10:7-18
One of the beautiful word pictures the Bible employs to express the heart of God for His people is the picture of a good shepherd, lovingly caring for His sheep. Jesus uses that picture here of himself. In contrast to the devil – a thief who steals, destroys, and kills – Jesus, the good shepherd, comes to give life – a full life.
In John 10, Jesus gives some specific examples of His shepherd’s heart for the sheep.
· He knows the sheep personally and is known by them.
· He stays with them in the face of the attacking wolf.
· He calls His sheep by name.
· He lays down His life for the sheep.
What a good shepherd Jesus is! There is nothing He wouldn’t do for us. The entire purpose of Him being born into this world and dying on the cross was to save us from ourselves. He loves us that much! We can trust in His goodness. He is the good shepherd that is always leading, always guiding, always caring, and always guarding.
