There are many
positive images that come to mind when we think about Christ. One such image is
that Jesus is the good shepherd. Jesus stated, “I am the good shepherd, the
good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the
shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the
sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.” (John
10:11-12)
The hireling
has no vested interest in the sheep. When danger presents itself, his natural
reaction is to flee from the scene. However, Jesus seeks to protect the sheep
by laying His own life down for them.
This
illustration that Jesus gives is reminiscent of David as a shepherd. When King
Saul was trying to talk David out of fighting with Goliath, David said, “Your
servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and
took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered
the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its
beard, and struck and killed it.” (1 Samuel 17:34-35)
It is
noteworthy to see that when a lion or a bear took off with a lamb, David went
after it. It would have been very easy to be passive and just let the lamb go.
However, David was not of that sort. He risked his own life in protection of
his father’s sheep. This is what Jesus has done for us.
Jesus laid His
life down for us. He stated, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of
Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This
command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:18)
We were all
lost in sin (Romans 3:23). We were enslaved to sin (John 8:34). Jesus laid down
His life as a sacrifice for us that we might be set free from the bondage of
sin and obtain everlasting life with Him. He said, “…I have come that they may
have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Paul
stated, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
If sin is left
unchecked, it will result in the second death which is eternal separation from
God. However, this is a destiny that no man has to endure. We have a choice.
Through Jesus, the good shepherd, who laid down His life for us, we can be free
from the bondage of sin, and enjoy the everlasting joy of God’s presence.
Jesus, the good shepherd, has made this possible.
God Bless each
of you,
Eric Hicks
Comments
Post a Comment