Relevant Word

11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

-John 10:11 

Consider This: Let’s be honest, there are not many people we would willingly lay down our lives for. Furthermore, the ones we would give our life up for, already hold significant places in our hearts. For example, some of us wouldn’t mind giving our life for our parents because of what they have provided for us. Others wouldn’t mind laying down their lives for their spouse because of how much their spouse means to them. However, if we were asked to give up our life for someone we have never met before, would we still do it? Probably not. Because we don’t know if this person is a righteous individual or if they are someone who has murdered 10 people, robbed 100 people, or physically assaulted 1,000 people.

Relevance: Today, we are those people. Sure, we may have not murdered, robbed, or physically assaulted anyone, but we assault God multiple times a day each time we sin. Yet, as a Good Shepherd He still gave His life for us. Sheep are stubborn. They have their own desires and minds. Unfortunately, the ideas that enter sheep’s minds are not always the best or the most righteous. Thus, it is the job of the shepherd to correct and steer the sheep in the right direction.

Application: As believers, it is important for us to be shepherds to everything God has entrusted us with. We will never be the Good Shepherd described in this verse, because Christ was perfect. However, are we being Christ-like shepherds in our households, communities, businesses, and churches? Are we trying to guide the people around us in a righteous way? Do we lead them with love? And when the wolves are prowling, are we willing to lay down our lives to protect our spouses, family members, and friends? This verse foretold the level of sacrifice Christ would later demonstrate by lying down His life for all of our sins. He truly was, is, and will always be the Good Shepherd. We just need to ensure we are being obedient sheep to Him and reliable shepherds to others.