JUNE 28, 2025 – THE GOOD SHEPHERD

READ: John 10:1–15: … and I lay down My life for the sheep …

The parable of the Good Shepherd contains a most precious message. In a world with false shepherds, thieves, and wolves, it is deeply comforting that the Good Shepherd is present.

It is clear that Jesus Himself is this Shepherd and that the Jewish leaders are false ones. Jesus leads His sheep, cares for them, and protects them. With Him, they are safe and well. This Shepherd knows His sheep well, and His sheep know Him. They recognize His voice, listen to His call, and follow Him. He leads them out.

Outside, He goes before them and calls to them. If the sheep keep following Him, they will find rich pastures and abundant food. They feel safe with His rod and staff. They trust Him because He protects them from wolves—even at the risk of His own life.

Verse 14 speaks of the mutual knowing between the Shepherd and His sheep. Then in verse 15: “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father.” That is something very special. “To know” appears four times in verses 14 and 15a. It is the knowledge of love, mirroring the love-bond between God the Father and Christ! Not just emotional attachment, but a relationship of trust and self-giving.

How far the Shepherd’s love goes, Jesus shows in v.15b: “And I lay down My life for the sheep.” This stands in contrast to the hired hands who abandon the sheep when they see the wolf coming. A true shepherd who loves his sheep will do everything to protect them, even at the risk of his life.

The Pharisees are not only “thieves and robbers” who abuse and exploit the sheep—they also resemble the “hired hand.” They only care about their position, not about the spiritual wellbeing and eternal salvation of the sheep.

But when Jesus says, “I lay down My life for the sheep,” that is love beyond all others. He is pointing to His death on the cross, where He will bear God’s wrath and, as the Passover Lamb, save all His own.

Must we also give our lives for others?                             

Sing: Ps. 23:1