I am the Good Shepherd
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John 10:11-18, Jeremiah 10:20-21, Psalm 23:1-6
BY Debbie Eaton
Text: John 10:11-18, Jeremiah 10:20-21, Psalm 23:1-6
This is part of a 10-day series on the person of Christ in the 2016 Lent study.
After ten long years of infertility, I learned I was pregnant with our son.
The day I found out, I began praying for him, talking to him, and reading to him while he was in my womb. He was born on a beautiful May morning, and I was over-the-moon excited to see him. What I did not expect was the undeniable awe I would experience that first time when the sound of my voice turned his head and our eyes locked. He knew my voice.
As we got to know each other, I learned his voice too—his cries for hunger and pain, discomfort and contentment. I could then interact with him intentionally, attending to each cry and coo. My heart was flooded with love, and I knew without a doubt that I would lay down my life for this precious bundle of joy if I had to.
God knew this parental love firsthand with Jesus (Matthew 3:17). He also gave us a tangible picture of what love, care, guidance, and protection look like in the image of a Shepherd taking care of His flock.
“I am the good shepherd, I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father.”
-John 10:14-15
This verse paints a beautiful image of the relational significance between the Father and the Son, and between the Shepherd and His flock. It is a relationship of complete dependence, one begun by relying upon the sound of the Shepherd’s voice. A sheep need only follow His voice and stay in His presence to be in a place that’s safe where it can thrive.
It is the same with us and Jesus.
Unfortunately, the voices of everyday life compete for our attention and can easily drown out the sound of the Good Shepherd’s voice. The voices of false shepherds speak in smooth, deceitful tones for self-gain and self-promotion. They care little about the safety and wellbeing of their sheep. When danger comes, these heartless shepherds will flee, protecting and preserving themselves over their sheep. And should one of their flock become sick or somehow undesirable, it will be cast out or altogether forgotten (John 10:12-13). Their flock will lose their way (Jeremiah 10:21).
When we trust and follow any other voice but the Good Shepherd’s, we’re easily led astray to be left utterly alone, rejected and dejected. But do not be discouraged: even if you’ve been taken advantage of in the past by deceitful shepherds, there is good news because of Jesus.
Jesus is the long-awaited, true Good Shepherd, who does not lose sight of His sheep (Ezekiel 34). He knows the heart and condition of each one in His flock. He searches for them and inspects them, just to make sure there is no disease within them (Psalm 139:23-24).
He heals the sick, injured, and brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). He protects them against danger, goes after those who wander away, and pursues those who are lost (Matthew 18:12-14). Above all, the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His flock, once and forever, to rescue them from the jaws of deceit and captivity, so that not even one would perish (John 10:11, 3:16). He did that for me, for you.
This is our Jesus, the Good Shepherd of our souls. He hears each beat and cry of our hearts, and He knows exactly what we need.
Do you know His voice?
I don’t know what you’re facing right now, but the Good Shepherd knows. His voice is gentle, and soothing, leading each of one us to quiet waters where He waits to revive us. He protects, comforts us, and guides us along the right path—even when we go through the darkest of valleys. His goodness and faithful love pursue us each and every day of our lives (Psalm 23).
“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.”
-John 10:27
65 thoughts on "I am the Good Shepherd"
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My husband is about to leave for a deployment, and it is so good to know that God will be my Shepherd and my comfort during these long months.
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Will put you on my prayer list, Kelley. My daughters boyfriend is also in the military and deploys frequently. So thankful for the fellowship of believers that rally in support!
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Thank you for sharing! We are on year #4 of infertility so I love reading and hearing your testimony of God’s faithfulness!
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Just read your “Letter to Your Furture Mom self” and it was the encouragement that I needed today. My husband and I are also desperately wanting to have a baby but have been unable to conceive. I will be praying for you
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When we are weak, He is our strong, able, omnipotent Shepherd. I’m talking about weakness and how Jesus likes to flip things upside down over at:
https://wordpress.com/post/awordthatmatters.wordpress.com/725
Would you join me, SRT sisters? All my love and blessings to each of you! -
My husband and I who were not walking in the faith, struggled with infertility for many years. We thought we could control the situation and make things work. However, those years were filled with much grief and pain not to mention it almost destroyed our marriage. I often think about the lives we now live and how much easier it would have been to give it all to God. If we would have just listened to the Shepards voice and followed him…. Don’t get me wrong infertility is tough, but being Jesus followers gives you a peace. Knowing you can fall in his arms and find comfort brings a sense of calm to struggles and challenges. The good news is that after many tears and two rounds of IVF we were blessed with a set of twins. God is so GOOD we just didn’t know it then!!!
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Praying that Ethan would be brought home safely and that the family would be filled with peace during the search. M
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Today’s reading especially hits home today. Yesterday, my friend’s brother went missing. I know that our Good Shepherd is with Ethan, and with his family as they walk through this dark valley. If you could join me in prayer for his safe return, that would be amazing.
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Praying right now that God would protect Ethan and guide others to where he is. Praying for the family to feel God’s loving presence in the search. My heart breaks for them as they wait
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Definitely standing in prayer with you and the family!
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Praying for Ethan’s protection and safe return. Thanks for sharing this with us.
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Praying for Ethan’s safe return home.
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father, I ask for your hand on Ethan as well as the family. You know all things and nothing is hidden from you so I ask for your best results and protection, as well as his swift return, thank you Jesus,
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Praying Ethan will hear the voice of his shepherd and all involved will turn to listen.
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Thank you ladies for your prayers. We received word that Ethan has passed away. Praying that our Good Shepherd continues to hold the family close during this tragic time.
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Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry. Prayers of comfort and strength for you all
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Sorry to hear that. May God comfort you all in this difficult time!
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This little lamb is so blessed by the Good Shepherd and by your words today, Debbie! Great start to the day
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I love love the picture this creates of our Fathers love for us all!
Question though you have a reference of (Ezekiel 34), curious as to what chapter and verse you meant to put? It is after the sentence: “Jesus is the long-awaited, true Good Shepherd, who does not lose sight of His sheep”. Thank you for your devotionals!-
I´ll let Debbie answer that for herself, but that whole chapter is awesome… verses 11-16 are particularly relevant to today´s reading.
joy.
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Phenomenal! Thanks Missycm for highlighting those verses! It’s amazing how consistent and true our God is throughout history-from OT to the NT.
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