Today’s Bible reading brought me to John 10:1-30

In these verses Jesus says He is…

…The SHEPHERD of his people  

Psalm 23 lists the many benefits the Shepherd provides for his people – take a moment to read it (see below). One of those benefits may be needed in your life right now, and you can ask God for it. (Lord, lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake!)

The sheepfold is where God’s people dwell in safety and satisfaction. His sheep know this place and eagerly follow the Shepherd through the door.  Everyone who enters the place of safety by Jesus will be saved, and go in and out and find pasture.

…The DOOR of the sheepfold

Jesus is also the Door, the only true entrance and access to the sheepfold.   (“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6)

…The GOOD SHEPHERD guarding the door or gate of the sheepfold with His own life

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, not a hired hand who cares nothing for the sheep, but the Good Shepherd who loves his sheep and lays himself down at the gate, or door, to protect them all through the night. Jesus laid down his life on the cross, in order that his people might be saved.

The Bible calls us…

…The SHEEP

It’s not really flattering to be compared to sheep.

They are dumb, they wander off and get into trouble, they lay down in places where they can’t get up, if they stand too deep in moving water to get a drink, their wool gets saturated and pulls them under and away. They get frightened to the slightest unfamiliar noise or movement. Burrs and bugs cling to their wool and they can stink, and the follow each other blindly… even over a cliff.

The Bible says of us,  “All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned—every one—to his own way;  and the LORD has laid on him  the iniquity of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6

For you were like straying sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25

BUT…  “My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the Son of God, but He came to earth as a man, to identify with us (sheep), to show us how a life pleasing to God is lived, and to be the substitute sacrifice for our sin.

John the Baptist called Him…

…The Lamb

“Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

Jesus (God Himself) humbled Himself and took on the form of man. He lived a perfectly righteous life before God and man. Then this “spotless Lamb” became the sacrifice for our sin.  “God laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”  Then he crushed him (punished the sin of all who would trust in Him) so that we might live (eternally).

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:21

 SHEPHERD who cares for me, LAMB who was sacrificed for me:  JESUS.    Thank You!!

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PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.