“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11
John records seven precious “I Am” statements of Jesus. He is our true spiritual sustenance, “I am the bread of life”; He is the light in our darkness, “I am the light of the world”; He is our hope for eternity, “I am the resurrection and the life.” The “I am” statement that has encouraged me greatly is His declaration of tender care, “I am the good shepherd.”
In Jesus’ day sheep were often gathered into a village sheepfold at night for protection against thieves and predators. When the shepherd came to gather his sheep in the morning, he would call them by name. His sheep would hear their shepherd’s voice and would follow only that voice. The shepherd took great care to lead, feed, and courageously protect his flock.
Jesus came as our perfect Shepherd, and we are His helpless sheep facing the devouring “wolves” of sin and Satan. Jesus laid down His life for us at the cross to defeat these great foes. We know that our Good Shepherd’s sacrifice has secured our eternal safety so we’re perfectly loved, accepted, and cared for by Him.
In Jesus’ day sheep were often gathered into a village sheepfold at night for protection against thieves and predators. When the shepherd came to gather his sheep in the morning, he would call them by name. His sheep would hear their shepherd’s voice and would follow only that voice. The shepherd took great care to lead, feed, and courageously protect his flock.
Jesus came as our perfect Shepherd, and we are His helpless sheep facing the devouring “wolves” of sin and Satan. Jesus laid down His life for us at the cross to defeat these great foes. We know that our Good Shepherd’s sacrifice has secured our eternal safety so we’re perfectly loved, accepted, and cared for by Him.
Scripture Focus
John 10:1-18
Insight
FAVORITE “I AM” STATEMENT by Pastor David Nutting who has been shepherding the flock of his San Diego area congregation since 2006. He and his wife have three adult children and enjoy reading, hiking, and taking road trips to together.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 25-26
- Psalm 74
- John 16