Jesus makes a crucial point to His critics in John 10. He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. He contrasts Himself with the failed human leaders in lsrael who prey on people like thieves.
They are foolish gatekeepers who cannot tell a thief from a shepherd (John 10:1-6). They are the hired hands who run away when the sheep are in danger.
The Good Shepherd
The OT prophecies clearly pointed to a Shepherd and Savior for God’s people. Only Jesus could fulfill these roles as He is of divine origin, equal to the Father (Philippians 2:16).
As a shepherd, He knows His sheep and they know Him. He calls them by name and they heed His voice. He protects them from wolves who will steal and destroy them, even going so far as to lay down His own life for them (10:14b-4c).
Jesus also provides nourishment, rest and refreshment for His sheep in green pastures. He enables His followers to grow and develop as they are led, guided and nurtured by His Word and His Spirit. His care, protection and provision set Him apart as a unique Shepherd.
He Looks on You with Compassion
Several Bible verses speak of compassion and having mercy on others. This is a very important spiritual quality, one that is central to your relationship with Jesus. When you treat people with the same compassion that God shows to you, He notices and rewards this behavior.
While he was on the cross, Jesus displayed compassion by healing a crippled woman (Luke 13:10-17). He knew what she went through and wanted to free her both physically and spiritually.
He also demonstrated the same compassion when he forgave His enemies. He knew that they had a hard time with forgiveness. He gave them an opportunity to repent and believe in Him before it was too late. He cares deeply for His sheep and will protect them. He is the Good Shepherd who will never leave you or forsake you. Pleading the Blood of Jesus will help keep you safe from all kinds of attacks, adversities and bad accidents that may come your way.
He Wants You to Have a Buffet Life
When you eat at a buffet, you get to pick and choose the foods you like and leave behind the ones you don’t. The choice seems endless and it’s fun to fill your plate with a variety of items.
Unfortunately, our culture promotes the same ethos when it comes to God’s Holy Scripture. Its ad campaign says: “Bible Buffet Religion.” “Choose whatever parts you want to believe and apply!”
Paul was constantly buffeted by his enemies. They were constantly attacking him physically, stealing his possessions, and stirring up trouble for him. Despite all this, he kept on preaching, writing New Testament scriptures, and pushing back the forces of hell. He was a true hero of the faith. We’re in a season of change, but it doesn’t mean we should stand still. It means we can dip into our buffet of spiritual food and strength. He offers love, forgiveness, answers, hope, trust, and healing. He wants to give us ETERNAL life!
He Wants to Give You ETERNAL Life
Eternal life is our most urgent need. It’s the thing we want most—more than good health, the right partner, nice kids, a better job, or a bigger house. But those things will not give us what we really need.
Jesus prayed in John 17:3 that we would “know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” That’s His definition of eternal life—a close personal relationship with Him that never ends.
When we believe in Him, God imparts this eternal life. It’s the gift of His righteousness and goodness that He offers freely to all who believe in Him. But to receive it we must surrender our old ways, recognize Him as King, and take His offer of newness of life by faith. Then we must follow Him in all His ways—even to the cross. Only then will we know Him and experience His peace, comfort, and purposefulness for all eternity. Amen!
