John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Taking up one of the most fitting names and pictures of God from the Old Testament, Jesus announced that He is the Shepherd. A shepherd of course was "a person who guards or tends sheep". * As a verb, it means "to guide or guard in a manner as a shepherd; pastor."* The Apostles went on to use titles of Him as "the great shepherd of the sheep" and "the guardian of our souls." He does so much for His sheep: laying down His life for them, guiding them in the safe and wise path, guarding us from spiritual attack. He does all of this because He really does love and care for us, and considers Himself personally responsible to do all He can to bring us into the fold, protect, provide for, and present us to His Father. He is the Good Shepherd. Let's not be dumb and stray away from Him.
*(Diann Cotton: 100 Days with Jesus)
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