I Am Series 4: The Good Shepherd

Good and Bad Shepherds

In John 10, Jesus responded to the Pharisees after healing a man born blind. After teaching them about spiritual blindness and their neglect in protecting the poor and needy, he taught them about what it means to be a good shepherd.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 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. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 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. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 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

John 10:11-18 (NIV)

Jesus is the “Good Shepherd”. However, those tending the flock aren’t always good. Some tend the sheep like hired hands who will run when there’s danger and who “care nothing for the sheep”. How can we tell the difference between good and bad shepherds?

Marks of a Bad Shepherd

First, we can see how the shepherd reacts when the wolf attacks the flock. A hired hand shepherd will run away rather than fight for the sheep. This shows the heart of bad shepherds: they care only for themselves and not for the sheep.

Jesus talked about how a good shepherd cares for his sheep by laying down his life. Jesus’ ultimate example was on the cross, where he laid his life down to finish the work of salvation. At the time of the story in John 10 this had not yet happened. However, those who knew Jesus and followed him saw how he was always laying his life down for others, including taking time to heal the man born blind. They knew then as we know now: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because of His great love for us. He lays down his life continually to care for the sheep of His Father’s kingdom.

Second, we know the good shepherd because the flock listens to his voice. Here’s a video where people call out to a flock of sheep in a field and the sheep completely ignore them. However, when their shepherd (“farmer” in the video) calls out to them, they stand up, look and then rush to go where the shepherd is leading. Good shepherds know their sheep, meet their needs and care for them. The sheep know their good shepherd and respond when he calls.

Jesus says that the sheep listen to his voice. A good shepherd will speak with the voice of the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd will not only make sure the flock is cared for and protected, but will also lead them to the voice of the Good Shepherd, the Word of God.

Becoming Like the Good Shepherd

As I mentioned in the last post, I had some issues with anxiety and lack of sleep in the early part of 2021. I felt like a helpless sheep in some ways. From my many years as a disciple, I knew that what I needed was the Good Shepherd to provide me with love and care and to guide me with His voice. I reached out to brothers in my “flock” and they provided time to talk and pray. I appreciate all who took time to pray with me and share scriptures so that I would look to the Good Shepherd and not to myself as I went through my issues. Along with medical help, these good shepherds in my life helped me to overcome my challenges.

My first reaction when I see others in the church who are in need of help or who need guidance from God’s Word is sometimes not one of a good shepherd. I often feel like running away from the problem rather than laying down my life by spending time with them. When I do decide to take time to listen and help, I sometimes offer my own advice instead of guiding them to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Looking at the time as mine and giving only my advice are what a hired hand would do: run away and care nothing for the flock. A good shepherd instead knows that his time belongs to the Good Shepherd and will lay it down for others. The good shepherd also guides others by the Word of God. Jesus’ example and teaching helps me to love others and point them to the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Jesus says “I am the Good Shepherd”. We need to follow His example and lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters, and guide them by His voice.