3/7/14- Jesus the Good Shepherd

14“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:14-18)

Thoughts: Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd.  A hired hand, when faced with a wolf or bear, may say, "I don't get paid enough for this" and leave.  But the Good Shepherd knows His sheep, loves them, and lays down his life to save them from their enemies. The only way He lays down His life is to help His sheep. The Good Shepherd sleeps with the sheep, heals the sheep, feeds the sheep, finds the sheep and cares for them.
    The "other sheep that are not of this pen" (vs. 16) are referring to the Gentiles.  Jesus foresaw that He was God not just of the Jews but of all peoples.  So He went to Samaria, the Decapolis, and told his disciples to go to every nation claiming authority over them all (Mt. 28:18-20; Jn. 17:2). 

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are the Good Shepherd who protects us, loves us, and strengthens us.  I give myself to you for you give yourself to us.