As I reflect on this past Thanksgiving weekend, I’m thankful for The Good Shepherd.
In John Chapter 10, Jesus calls Himself the gate for the sheep and the good shepherd. The Pharisees did not understand what He was telling them. (Read it, you’ll like it.)
During those days, being a shepherd was not a noble or respected profession. It was the opposite as shepherds were social outcasts and lived in the fields. The traveled so much with their sheep that they were transient and somewhat homeless. Merchants and traders had skepticism about dealing with them.
So, here is the question, why does Jesus compare himself to a shepherd? Perhaps it is not because He is physically like a shepherd but more because we are so much like sheep.
Sheep are vulnerable animals and a perfect target for predators. They have large, fluffy bodies to go with skinny legs. They can’t outrun or outwit wolves and lions. They are prone to wander because of their curiosity.
Sheep can easily become sick if not cared for properly by the shepherd. Most sheep could not survive in the wilderness. They are completely reliant on the shepherd’s guidance, provision, and direction.
There is nothing we can do to get to Heaven on our own. Nothing is earned, our eternity is a free gift from God through His Son Jesus.
Jesus has the heart of a shepherd that will leave the 99 to find the one sheep that is lost.
Jesus told the Pharisees, ““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 And He did . . by willingly dying for us on that old, rugged cross.
Jesus is the gate that leads us to our eternal Green Pasture (Heaven). He is the Way and no one gets to the Father except through Him.
“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:2-3
Is He calling you? Are you following Him and telling others about the free gift of Salvation available through Him? Need to read more about Jesus?
In my book Salvation Station, the seven I AM names that Jesus calls Himself are listed. As a bonus they are shown below:
1. I am the bread of life. (John 6:35)
2. I am the light of the world. (John 8:12)
3. I am the gate for the sheep. (John 10:7)
4. I am the good shepherd. (John 10:11)
5. I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25)
6. I am the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
7. I am the true vine. (John 15:5)
Each I AM name has a special message. Make time to find out why Jesus calls Himself that name.
You can order any of my four books and have them signed at: www.WisdomUnitedLLC.com
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