The Lamb who is the Good Shepherd
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.
17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”
Jesus lived the most extraordinary life. But even more amazing is that his love for humanity was so great that he willingly gave up his life. He knew a painful, shameful and public death was in his future, yet he did not run from it. While remembering Jesus’ life and teachings is a worthy endeavor, even more vital is for us to remember his death. It is his willing sacrifice that makes all the difference. It’s his free choice to surrender his life that inspires our worship. And it’s his courageous acceptance of such a brutal task that compels us to listen for his voice and follow him.
- Take some time to remember the suffering of Jesus and especially take note of the fact He knew death was coming yet He didn’t shy away from it.
- Are you listening for Jesus’ voice?
- When was the last time you heard Him speak?
- Have you ever heard Jesus personally tell you He loves you?
- Ask Him to tell you He loves you right now.
PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing and loving sacrifice. Thank you for willingly choosing to express your love for me on the cross. Help me to know your love and to hear you speak. Give me strength to follow you wherever you lead!
