By Rev. Gene Brunow

April 21 is Good Shepherd Sunday. A shepherd was someone who made a living looking after sheep. He led his sheep to pasture and water. He looked after them and protected them from danger. When a sheep was lost, the shepherd went out to search for it. At night, he brought the sheep home, checking to see they were all there by counting them as they passed under his shepherd’s rod or staff.

Even as adults, we need someone to guide and protect us from the dangers of this world. We have sufferings that come from within and outside of us. What we need is someone and something upon which we can put our complete trust. Jesus is that someone.

With his opening statement, Jesus assures us who he is. All other possibilities are eliminated. That leads to just the benefits Jesus the Good Shepherd provides for us. Below we have a few examples:

»  First and foremost, he gave up his life for us on the cross. That means that every sin we have committed or will commit has been forgiven. Romans 8:32 ESV is a great assurance of that declaration, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

»  Romans 8:34 ESV points to the fact Christ did not stop with his death on the cross, but provides ongoing care for us: “who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

»  Jesus’ whole life is completely given over to meet our needs. Jesus holds nothing back.

»  As our Good Shepherd Jesus has intimate knowledge of each of us. He knows us at a glance as well as our characteristics and idiosyncrasies.

»  Thanks to his faith producing action he opens himself to us so we trust coming to him at any time or in any circumstance.

»  Jesus and the Father had a perfect relationship. They were of one mind. It is breathtaking to realize that that is what Christ wants for us.

These blessings are for all people of all times. And, he punctuates it in John 10:18 where Jesus states that he has all authority and can do anything.

This month’s study text:

The Good Shepherd

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. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may 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 I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

John 10:11-18 (ESV)

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank for being my Good Shepherd and taking care of me. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

One of the ways we know God loves us is because of the sacrifice He made for us in His Son, Jesus Christ. What is it about sacrifice that shows love for someone else? How are we called to sacrifice for others in order to show them God’s love?

Some believe that God set this world in motion and then walked away, leaving us to our own devices. This parable reminds us that Jesus seeks and saves the lost. He is active in this world and in our lives. What does this parable say to believers about our work with the Holy Spirit to help the lost know Jesus, their Good Shepherd?

Our sinful natures don’t like being dependent on anyone else. How can we embrace being dependent on God; content being His sheep?

There are dangers in this world we need protecting from. Think about the specific dangers in your life that have the potential to attack your faith. Pray to God to give you His protection and strength as your Good Shepherd.

Rev. Brunow is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Find more of his devotionals at genesbrunotes.com.