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THE GOOD SHEPHERD
John 10:
1-15
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and
my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father —
and I lay down my life for the sheep. "(John 10: 14-15)
Two men were invited to recite psalm 23. One, an orator
and a well-known stage performer, repeated the psalm in a powerful way.
When he finished, the audience cheered up his wonderful performance. Then
the other man who was much older, repeated the same psalm slowly. But
when he finished, people sat in a deep mood of devotion and prayer. The
first man stood in front of the old man and confessed, "I know the
psalm, but my friend knows the shepherd". Do we really know the
shepherd? If we really know him the shepherd will make our life more
abundant and rich. In his own word, Jesus tells us, "I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John
10:11). Let us focus on three points.
1. The Good Shepherd is our
Security: The shepherd tends his flock day and night. He would
gather the sheep into the sheepfold at night for their safety and
security, since there were no doors to these places of shelter for the
sheep. Jesus is the door, the loving protector and caretaker of his
flock. We seek temporal safety in appointing gunmen, or by fixing giant
gates, security alarm system, etc., but Jesus is our permanent security
and he will protect us from all casualties.
2. The Good Shepherd is our
Savior: Jesus, the good shepherd is our savior also. John chapter
10 tells us how thieves and wolves come to destroy the sheep. But the good
shepherd is there to save them. He has a genuine love towards all
sinners, and is able and willing to save us from evil and give us eternal
life. Jesus, the good shepherd, sacrificed his life and died on the cross
for our sins.
3. The Good Shepherd provides
Satisfaction: Jesus, the good shepherd always stands with us, not for
his benefits, but for the welfare and satisfaction of his flock. He would
give guidance, protection and sustenance, even at the cost of his own
life. We are blessed and benefited by the Lord all through Our life. Are
we satisfied with God's blessings?
Prayer:
Lord
our good shepherd; we rededicate our lives before you to live a life with
deep gratitude and great satisfaction. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A Good Shepherd knows the heart of the sheep.
Christian
Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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