The Sheep and the Shepherd

7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 

8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 

9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Sheep are not known for their brilliance. They have a poor sense of direction and follow blindly - so yes, if one goes down a cliff, the rest will follow. They're also vulnerable to predators and when left in a grazing area, they will overgraze and eventually run out of food. That's why sheep need a shepherd: someone who will lead, protect them from wolves and ensure they're fed and safe.

A common comparison in Christianity is that we are the sheep, and Jesus is the Shepherd.

Bad news for us: We are kind of clueless.

But the good news? We have a shepherd - and His name is Jesus.

11 “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.

As sheep are lost and helpless without a shepherd, so will we be lost without our true Shepherd. Not a politician or teacher or an influencer - Jesus the Messiah. He is the one who knows our name and hearts and will lay down His life for our safety. 

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.”

As Jesus said, the hired hand will flee when trouble comes - but the Good Shepherd will stay. He will not only protect us but offer His life. That’s good news and it gets better.

Jesus goes on to say that He knows each sheep’s bleat, not just the “good” sheep but all the sheep. Jesus knows your voice, not just the voices of those inside the pen but outside as well, and He is calling you to draw near to Him.

Jesus is extending this invitation to everyone. He is willing to shepherd everyone - not just His current followers but anyone who will hear His voice.

Jesus had the power to lay His life down for His sheep, the ultimate Passover Lamb. But He also had the power to raise Himself from the grave.

So yes, Friday was good.

Because Sunday is here.

And our Shepherd has risen!

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 

6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

He’s calling. And He’s alive.

Verses from John 10:7-18; Matthew 28:5-7.