Scripture reading: John 10:11-18

Today, we delve into the fourth "I Am" statement of Jesus found in the Gospel of John.

John 10:11-18
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.

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.”

In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This statement reveals Jesus' deep love, care, and sacrificial commitment to His followers, likening Himself to a shepherd who knows and protects His sheep.

Jesus spoke these words during a discussion about sheep and shepherds, contrasting Himself with hired hands who abandon the sheep in times of danger. He emphasizes His role as the ultimate Shepherd who willingly sacrifices Himself for His flock, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

In ancient Israel, shepherds were responsible for leading their sheep to green pastures and still waters, protecting them from predators and guiding them along safe paths (Psalm 23:1-4).

Psalm 23:1-4
¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²   He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³   he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

A good shepherd knows each sheep by name, recognizing their unique traits and needs. This intimate knowledge enables the shepherd to provide individual care and guidance.

Discussion Question:

1. As a shepherd, Jesus provides us with individual care and guidance. In what ways have you experienced Jesus' care and protection?

Jesus contrasts Himself with hired hands who flee when danger comes. He declares His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep, demonstrating His sacrificial love and commitment (John 10:15).

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus not only protects but also leads His sheep to abundant life. He offers spiritual nourishment, guidance, and eternal security to all who follow Him (John 10:10).

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

Discussion Question:
What does it mean to you that Jesus laid down His life for you? How does His sacrifice inspire your faith and commitment to Him?

Jesus proclaims His mission to bring together believers from all nations into one flock under His loving care. This unity reflects God's desire for all people to experience His grace and salvation through Jesus.

Ephesians 2:14-18
¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Jesus assures His followers of eternal security in His care. He promises that no one can snatch them out of His hand, emphasizing the permanence and assurance of salvation found in Him.

John 10:28-29
²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

Discussion Question:
How does Jesus' promise of eternal security in His care impact your daily life and your perspective on the future?

How you can actively experience the abundant life Jesus offers:
- Investing time in prayer and studying God's Word to grow closer to Jesus.
- Surrendering your plans and decisions to Jesus' guidance and wisdom.
- Make a commitment to follow Jesus more closely as your Good Shepherd.
- Look for opportunities to encourage and support others in their faith journey, reflecting Jesus' care for His flock.

CONCLUSION

As we conclude, let's remember that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, offers us love, protection, and eternal life. He calls us to follow Him faithfully, trusting in His guidance and care. May we respond to His love by living as His devoted followers, spreading His light and truth to a world in need.

Individual Reflection

1. Take a moment to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Consider the ways He leads, protects, and provides for His followers.

2. How has understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd deepened your relationship with Him?

3. What practical steps will you take to follow Jesus more closely and to share His love with others?

Closing Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for revealing Jesus to us as the Good Shepherd. We are grateful for His sacrificial love, His protection, and His guidance in our lives. Help us, Lord, to follow Jesus faithfully, to trust in His care, and to share His love with those around us.

Guide us as we seek to live as His devoted followers, reflecting His light and truth to a world in need of His grace and salvation.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."