“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10.11
We believe this truth is true. Jesus is our Good Shepherd. There’s not a lot of question or mystery about this truth. Jesus Himself taught us this truth.
The question is not is Jesus the Good Shepherd, but rather do you believe that our Good Shepherd is good to you? And, what constitutes His goodness expressed to you?
Let’s start at the beginning. What makes Jesus our Good Shepherd? The truth is He is our Good Shepherd not because of the places He leads, or the pain He heals, or the gifts He gives. Jesus is Good because Jesus is God.
If we question His goodness, it’s most likely because we are looking at ourselves, we are looking at our circumstances, our hurts, our broken dreams, or disappointments.
Jesus didn’t just talk about being our Good Shepherd, Jesus demonstrated His goodness to the whole world. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5.8. The writer of the Hebrews adds this truth,
“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9.14-15
Our Good Shepherd is good because He is God. He is good because of what He accomplished on the cross, making atonement for our sins, and setting us free from the law of sin and death.
One of the most frequent comments I’ve heard during this Lenten series has been this, “Yes, Craig, I believe these truths are true, everything you guys are talking about. I believe these truths are true, I’m just not sure I believe they are true for me.”
We believe these truths are true. What do you believe?
Reflection:
1. Do you believe our Good Shepherd is good to you?
2. In your own words, describe what makes Jesus “Good”.
3. “I am the Good Shepherd.” How might you fully live into this truth today?
Pray through the truth of John 13.34-35:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13.34-35
