I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11 KJV
The Lord Jesus came to introduce God to us and His Kingdom; during His mandate He made himself known to Man also. But being in the form and fashion of a Man, His own people did not receive Him. How often they doubted and disputed His claims and assertions all because they do not know Him; for “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12-13 KJV)
According to the Bible, Jesus said, “…I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? (John 6:35-42 KJV). Notice how they murmured at him and would not believe Him but rather measured our Blessed Lord after their carnal and natural course, saying we know his father and mother. This is the bane and blight of their unbelief.
Jesus further introduced Himself as the Good Shepherd when He said, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He’s only in it for the money. The sheep don’t matter to him. “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.” (John 10:11-18 AMP)
Beloved, we must receive and accept the testimony of Christ about Himself to us; He came to save and rescue us; He laid down His life for our rescue and salvation. What a blessed notice and knowledge to gain and receive. He is the true and good shepherd of the sheep. The sooner one gains this truth the better and joyful life becomes for He only and truly cares for sheep. Notice something He said, “This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life” God recognized and approved Him for what He did, we shall do well to receive His love and testimony for our sanity and salvation. The good shepherd cares for the sheep, protects and preserves the life of the Sheep to the delight and pleasure of God our Father. Thank you, Jesus.
