Jesus the Good Shepherd
Help for Difficult Times and the Offer of Life
Jul 27, 2008 Vivienne May Ball
Jesus said, “I tell you for certain that I am the gate for the sheep. Everyone who came before me was a thief and a robber, and the sheep did not listen to any of them. I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture.” (Jn 10:7-9)
Again Jesus says, “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest. I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep.” (Jn 10:10)
That’s an amazing picture – Jesus standing at the rustic gate of that ancient sheepfold. Can you see him waiting there, opening the gate and welcoming the sheep? One by one they come in. They come in to safety, to restfulness, to good pasture, and to life.
Jesus Welcomes Those who Come
This passage has real meaning for anyone going through difficult times. Jesus the good shepherd is at the gate of the sheepfold waiting to open the gate to the one suffering. Inside the sheepfold are those who have already entered. Picture some resting peacefully beside a gentle stream, others relaxing on the green grass of a gentle hillside and basking in the security of Jesus’ protection. On Jesus’ face is a smile – a smile of welcome and love. Jesus the good shepherd is welcoming all who come. As they go through the gate they are filled with peace.
A New Zealand shepherd, Walter Godfrey Bowen, writes about this passage in his book, Why the shepherd? He gives a shepherd’s perspective:
“The flock is very contented with their shepherd. They know his call. They know his sounds, his whistle. They know that a stone thrown means to turn back into the way. They and the shepherd become one as he leads them forth to spend the day on the range.”
We too can know the care and love of the good shepherd. Whatever we are going through at this moment we can bring it to Jesus. He is the way through which we enter the sheepfold, as well as the one who cares for us. He is the one who offers life in all its fullness.
Prayer
- Thank you Jesus that you are the good shepherd and that I can enter into your sheepfold, knowing you care for me. I bring before you now the concerns I have at the moment…… I want to hear your voice, to receive your peace and be led by you through each day. You are the good shepherd who can enable me to walk down the path of life. Amen.
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