Slices
Prepare
What difference does the fact Jesus is our ‘good shepherd’ make to your life?
Bible passage
‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.’
19 The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them said, ‘He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?’
21 But others said, ‘These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’
Explore
Jesus is the ‘gate’ offering protection and freedom and the chance to live life ‘to the full’ (v 10). However, it doesn’t stop there! In Jesus’ time the roles of shepherd and gate were often blurred. The shepherd would double-up as the gate, often sleeping across the entrance of the sheep pen. In the same way, Jesus adopts both roles: gate and shepherd.
While gates and sheep are at least familiar parts of modern life, for most of us, shepherds are not. A shepherd may conjure images of long beards, long staffs and long days in the fields, but Jesus takes an everyday job of his time and applies it to himself, giving a clear promise to his followers.
Jesus says there is a key difference between him and the ‘hired hands’ (v 12) who may be placed in charge. Such men are not authentic in their care, leaving at the first sign of danger. Jesus, on the other hand, ‘lays down his life for the sheep’ (v 11), and gives a profound promise of intimacy and closeness to his followers. This shepherd really cares for his sheep. Just as sheep recognise the specific voice of their shepherd (vs 16,27), so can the followers of Jesus hear and recognise his voice. We too may ‘know’ (v 14) the good shepherd. What a promise!
Respond
Spend time today listening to the voice of the ‘good shepherd’ and thanking him afresh for his wonderful care for you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 8,9; Psalm 102
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the work of Mission Partner Future Vision in Sudbury as they offer clubs, Open the Book and chaplaincy in local schools. Pray for the trustees in their leadership role and for the workers and volunteers sharing the good news of Jesus with children and young people.
