Read:John 10:10-21

“I am the Good Shepherd.”

I’m sure you have seen sheep (or pictures of sheep) grazing in a paddock eating grass. When you see pictures of sheep from the Old Testament times, you will often see that the sheep have a shepherd with them. This shepherd is looking after the sheep, leading them to places where there is enough food and water for them, and making sure that wild animals don’t catch and eat the sheep.

Here in John 10 Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” Why does Jesus call himself the Shepherd? What does he mean by that? Jesus uses these words as a type of picture to teach us some important things about himself. We are the sheep and he is our Shepherd!

Just like a shepherd will do anything for his sheep, Jesus will do anything necessary for us. In verse twelve, Jesus talks about hirelings. They are bad shepherds, who will run away if a wolf comes, and let the wolf eat the sheep. But Jesus isn’t like that at all. He is the good Shepherd. He loves us so much that he even gave his life for us. He came down from heaven to become a man so that he could die on the cross for our sins. He died so that we can be forgiven. He died so that we can live.

Jesus knows each of his sheep by name. He knows your name, whether it is Craig, Chantal, Rose, or whatever. Jesus knows all the things that you are good at. He also knows all the things you struggle with, including your sins. He knows when you are happy and when you are sad. He knows you even better than you know yourself. And yet he still gave his life for you. You are his precious sheep, and he will always care for you.

Reflection with your child:

Is it comforting that Christ Jesus knows you so well, or does that sometimes make you scared?

Source: Sermon by Rev. H. Alkema