The Good Shepherd

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 10:1-11:23
John 10:1-21
Psalm 38:13-22
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Focus Verses: John 10:14-18 
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 sheep pen. 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." 

Insight:
The religious leaders of the time had failed to shepherd the people of Israel. They did not know them; they exploited them; they didn't care for them or defend them or sacrifice for them. Jesus, on the other hand, listened to people; he understood them and loved them. He knew them by name, and they recognized the truth of God in his voice. He was willing to lay down his life for them.

Christ's sacrifice for us was his own choice. No one took his life from him; he laid it down of his own accord. God gave him the authority and power to raise it up again.

Response and Action:
I recognize the truth of God in Jesus. I believe he is the good shepherd who can lead me to life, hope, and purpose. I give thanks to God for the sacrifice Jesus willingly made for me. I believe that Jesus laid down his life and raised it up again on the third day. I will follow in his steps and listen to his voice. I will do my best to help others to find and follow him.

O God, thank you for Jesus, the good shepherd. Thank you that he knows my name and has called me to follow him. Thank you for his selfless love and the sacrifice he made to reconcile humanity to you. Give me a responsive and thankful heart, and help me to help others hear the voice of Jesus and come to find life in him. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 13:20-21
20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Resources:
They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership for the 21st Century
by Lynn Anderson