As we read through passages from John 10 (going back over the past couple of articles), we return in verse 11 to the example of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:11 NIV
Apparently, the word for “good” here was more than just, “not bad”. A commentator [Bryant & Krause, p.233, citing Raymond Brown] suggests that Jesus is a “model shepherd”.
As this model shepherd (Jesus) lays down His life for His sheep, can you think about who or what you would sacrifice your life for? For me, family members come to mind, and maybe other members of my church (who are family in another sense). We might also think of people like Secret Service agents, a few of whom have actually taken a bullet for someone else.
I’m not sure that I’d let a wolf attack me instead of a dumb, smelly, dirty sheep, though. However, a shepherd has more riding on the welfare of his or her sheep than I do. Not only has the flock trusted the shepherd, but the owner of the sheep has a vested interest in the sheep surviving and thriving.
Even today, we can think of roles where – like a first-century shepherd – it’s better to not come back if you don’t return with what you were entrusted with. When the airlines put an unaccompanied minor on the wrong flight, that’s a big deal and makes the news. That plane had better arrive with the child that was entrusted to the airline staff, or else they will not want to face the waiting parents.
As we know, in Jesus’ case, His sheep were destined for destruction (because of our choice to sin), and the only way for His sheep (i.e., human beings) to be saved was to give up His own life for them. He didn’t reject us because of our sins and shortcomings. Instead He yielded His precious life for the good of a bunch of dirty, smelly sheep…us!
In contrast to the Good Shepherd, we find another party in John 10:12-13: a “hired hand”. This worker is not a thief or robber, but isn’t someone who is as invested in the sheep as the shepherd is. He might have been contracted for a day or a season to support the shepherd, but – other than daily wages – he doesn’t have any stake in the game. Having to go work for someone else tomorrow is not a big deal compared to putting his life at risk when a wild animal threatens the flock.
We find in John 10:14-15, though, that Jesus isn’t like the hired hand. He knows his sheep (and they know Him) – not just casually, and not just knowing their names or their habits. The deep level of understanding between Jesus and His sheep is compared to the relationship between God the Son and God the Father. That’s something to pause and think about: Are you and I as close with Jesus as He is with God the Father? If not, what is keeping us from being closer to Jesus? I’m pretty sure that it’s not Him getting in the way.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for January 14, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, January 14, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – John, by Beauford H. Bryant and Mark S. Krause. © 1998 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 