Week 23, Day 1: The Good Shepherd
Today’s Reading: John 11:1-12:50
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
We do not often have the same connection to the concepts surrounding shepherding as a more rural society would have. We talk about Psalm 23 from time to time and I think we see some of the concepts of what a shepherd does (leads to green pastures & quiet waters – provides needed food, guides through treacherous times, keeps watch over the sheep with his rod – fights against evil, anoints the sheep – medical care).
In chapter 10 Jesus states that He is the good shepherd. He is the shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Unlike someone who was just a hired hand, the good shepherd will stay and defend the sheep against all attacks. Also the sheep become accustomed to the shepherd and know his voice. They follow his voice wherever he leads them. Jesus cares for His flock and watches over them with tender care. We can trust where He leads us and heed His voice. We should not follow after another’s voice because we know that we follow the good shepherd, others only seek to do us harm. This shepherd will not abandon us nor forsake us during troublesome times.
In Psalm 23 there is the concept of anointing the head with oil. This is a picture of the shepherd giving the care and attention that helps the sheep prosper and be healthy. The concept of the shepherd’s care is seen in his watchfulness. The shepherd keeps watch over the flock, attentive to their welfare. If a sheep wonders off He goes to search for it (Luke 15:4). Let us never forget this image of our guardian, our leader, our defender, our rescuer and our way to abundant life (10:10).
1 Peter 2:25 “For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
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