John 10:11-21
Reflect
The image of the hired hand is used to bring further contrast to Jesus and the rest of the crowd. The hired hand wants nothing to do with the sheep; he does not care, own or defend any of the sheep. The hired hand only wants his paycheck. He’s there to do his job and what he can get out of it, rather than having a weighty and true sense of responsibility towards the sheep.
But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, takes full responsibility for His sheep. He proves Himself faithful when the green pastures and sunny skies are blissful, but also when danger threatens or when countryside storms roll through. Not only that, the Good Shepherd separates Himself from the rest of the shepherds by intentionally dying for His sheep.
D.A. Carson writes, “The shepherd does not die for his sheep to serve as an example, throwing himself off a cliff in a grotesque and futile display while bellowing, ‘See how much I love you!’ No, the assumption that the sheep are in mortal danger; that in their defense the shepherd loses his life; and by his death they were saved. That, and that alone, is what makes him the good shepherd.”
Apply
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, proved Himself faithful by dying and rising. How does Jesus’ voluntary death give hope and security for you today?
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for the Director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.