The Good Shepherd

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep

Today's lesson study is the fourth in our study series of the names associated with Jesus. Herding sheep was a popular occupation during biblical times and the shepherd's responsibilities was to care for all the sheep's needs this included their safety.

In a pictorial description of Jesus He is pictured as the Good Shepherd; therefore, when Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world. What Jesus is really saying is that "I love mankind to the point of death. I came into this world to die so that all who believe in me shall have everlasting life (John 3:16). I am the way back to God the Father in bridging the spiritual divide caused by sin. I provides for all man's needs as I rock them (mankind) to sleep each night and tenderly wakes them each morning". Jesus as the Good Shepherd displays His tender love and devotion to His people--believers.

Jesus describing Himself as the Good Shepherd coincides with Psalm 23:1 which states, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want", which means Jesus' presence is near at all times providing, loving, and protecting as we His sheep go about our daily activities. The remainder of Psalm 23 describes the qualities and responsibilities of the Good Shepherd-Jesus Christ.
What makes Jesus the Good Shepherd is His uniqueness in being God-man as He was in the beginning with God and through His virgin birth He became humanity for the purpose of making a one-time atonement for sin.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd is a comforter when needed, a warrior in time of battle and most of a Savior as all mankind needed a Savior. What a Good Shepherd who came to give life more abundantly for all who believe (John 10:10). Have you come into the fold of Jesus Christ relying on the everlasting protection of the only shepherd who has no beginning and no ending? Jesus the Good Shepherd-God's Son and man's Savior.
Comments are welcome.
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