Kurt Selles, a missionary living in Jordan, describes the first time he saw a local shepherd in the fields. He writes:
“Spotting a shepherd in a field with a flock of sheep scattered around him, he sat in a lawn chair, legs crossed, reading a newspaper, a mobile phone by his side.”
Kurt was rather incredulous, expecting to see a more biblical picture of a man in a flowing gown with a crook in his hand.
In the Old Testament, the shepherd image represented the major leaders in Israel like Moses or David. Even more significant is the biblical imagery of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Shepherd, tending, nurturing, protecting and caring for His people (Psalm 23).
In His fourth “I am” statement, Jesus calls Himself the “Good Shepherd”. In doing so, He not only describes His divinity, but also claims to be the good and noble Shepherd of God’s people, comparing Himself with the corrupt and selfish leaders among God’s people. He compares them with “hired hands” who do not fully care for the flock, even while they are getting paid.
In times of danger, when a wolf would come or there was a blinding snowstorm, hired hands might give up and run away, thinking only of their own safety. The Good Shepherd, however, pro tects and cares for His flock in any situation.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd - our Good Shepherd - stayed with us, even at the cost of His own life. Take comfort in this truth today and listen to the voice of your Good Shepherd.
Pastor Roger
