Jesus The Loving Shepherd
Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Note that in the previous chapter Jesus healed a blind man, the man is questioned by the Pharisees, “how he had received his sight”
- He answered “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” (9:15)
- Not liking his answer they claimed Jesus was a sinner (9:16) and excommunicated the healed man.
- Later Jesus finds him who was healed and says to him. “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
- He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
- Then Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” (9:39-37)
- After revealing Himself the man confessed, “Lord, I believe!” (9:38).
- Then Jesus says, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” (9:39).
So, to chapter 10 and our lesson…
In an amazing declaration Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” (v.11). Calling Himself “the good shepherd” truly explains who He is.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11)
Who is the Shepherd in the scriptures?
- Remember David’s song describing what the Shepherd provided:
David says because The Lord is my Shepherd…
- “I shall not want”, “green pastures” and “waters of rest”, “restored soul”, a “prepared table”, “anointed with oil”, “overflowing cup”, “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” and “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psa. 23).
The Lord is repeatedly characterized as the Shepherd.
- Asaph says God is the “Shepherd of Israel” ( 80:1).
- In Hebrews 13:20, Jesus is called, “that great Shepherd of the sheep”.
Jesus declares His deity when He calls Himself “the Shepherd.”
- Isaiah prophesied what was going to happen to comfort the people saying,
- “10 Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. 11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” ( 40:10-11).
God will come with strength and might and a reward for those who are humble and ready...