Looking at the sheep in the stable reminds us not only that Jesus is the Lamb of God, it also reminds us that we are lost sheep in need of a shepherd. In Micah 5:4-5a a prophecy about the Savior says, “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.” Sheep are not very smart animals and if they don’t have a shepherd watching over them they can easily get lost and into all kinds of trouble. 1 Peter 2:25 describes our condition, “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” The reading from John shows us how Jesus is our shepherd and takes care of us.
John 10:11-18
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.”
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
How does Jesus describe himself? (11)
What will the good shepherd do for his sheep? (11)
How are the sheep to respond to the shepherd? (16)
THOUGHT QUESTIONS:
Besides laying down his life for us, how has Jesus shown he is the good shepherd?
How do we listen to his voice?
What will be the result?
PRAYER:
Thank Jesus that he is your shepherd who leads you into all truth. Thank him that he watches over, protects, and guides you by his truth and his Spirit. Pray that you would listen to his voice and obey his word.
FOCUS VERSE: Micah 5:4-5a
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.