Today's Reading: Old Testament: Exodus 27-28
New Testament: John 10
Focus Verses: John 10:14-18
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No 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."
Insight:
Jesus says that he is the good shepherd. The reason he is good (and what the Father loves about his shepherding) is that he willingly lays down his life for his sheep. The account of Jesus' arrest in the garden, found later in the Gospel of John, clearly shows how Jesus' arrest and crucifixion would not have been possible apart from his willingness to lay down his life. Jesus was not a helpless victim of circumstance or overpowered by religious or polictical leaders. Jesus is the good shepherd. He willingly laid down his life for his followers. He also had the authority, by God's declaration, to raise it up again, which he did on the third day.
Response and Action:
Jesus is the good shepherd. I will follow him and yield to him. I will seek him with my whole heart and train my ear to hear and recognize his voice. I need his guidance in my life every day, as a husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, pastor, and colleague. Guide me
Guide me, Good Shepherd, through your word, your people, your spirit, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Amen.
Proverbs: 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Resources:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright
