TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

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.

John 10:11–16

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

Since I have yet to witness with my own eyes how a shepherd works, I always imagine them as mothers who tenderly guide, protect, and nurture their children and as fathers who discipline, provide, and guard their children. This combined image of loving care and protective oversight illustrates the role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Isaiah beautifully describes God’s tender care for His people, likening Him to a shepherd who gathers the lambs, carries them close to His heart, and gently leads them. Ezekiel also prophesies God’s role as the shepherd who seeks the lost, brings back the strayed, and cares for the injured and weak.

When Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd, He aligns Himself with these prophetic images. He reveals Himself as the fulfillment of God’s promise to shepherd His people. However, the Jews, unable to grasp the depth of His identity, dismiss His words as the ramblings of a madman.

Yet, for those who believe, Jesus’ declaration holds deep significance. He is not merely a shepherd but the Good Shepherd—the one who knows His sheep intimately, lays down His life for them and leads them into abundant life. His care is not limited to the physical but extends to the spiritual, offering healing, strength, and guidance to all who follow Him.

 

PRAYER